SOLACE: Behind The Shield (Beauty 0f Life Book 2)

by Laura Acton

  She attempted to sit, but Dan’s hand restrained her as he said, “Lexa, hold still a second. I’m sorry, tried to warn you, but was too late. You alright?”

  Lexa nodded. “I’m okay. Let me up.” She glanced at the boy who stood next to her holding his skateboard to his chest. He looked scared to death. She smiled at him. “I’m fine. Are you okay?”

  Skyler Rider nodded. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t see you. I was riding fast. I’m late getting home. My dad’s gonna ground me for sure now. He said if I was late one more time … I’m so sorry. Really I am.”

  Lexa sat and started to rise. She hissed in pain as she set her left foot on the ground. Dan rapidly moved to her side to brace and hold her upright. A bolt of electricity surged through her, and it had nothing to do with the pain in her ankle. It started where Dan’s hands held her and coursed through her entire body.

  “What hurts?” Dan asked.

  Testing her weight on the left leg, Lexa hissed again. “My left ankle. I must’ve twisted it.”

  The color drained out of Skyler. “I’m so dead now. I hurt a cop. I’m gonna be grounded until I’m a hundred.”

  “Can you bear any weight?” Dan queried.

  “A little. Not much,” Lexa answered and in the next instant found herself lifted into Dan’s strong arms.

  Dan peered at the teen. “Open the back door for me.”

  Skyler hurried to do as requested.

  Dan carried Lexa, setting her down on the back seat. He turned to Skyler. “Hop in the other side. We’ll give you a ride home. I’ll explain to your father this was an accident. It’s rather dark here.”

  Skyler stared at the officer. His mouth went dry, so he only nodded and went to the passenger side and climbed in.

  Dan focused his gaze on Lexa. “I’ll be back in a moment. I’m gonna tell Boss what occurred. We’ll take the boy home, and I’ll drive you to the ER to have your ankle checked.”

  Stunned by Dan picking her up and taking charge, Lexa gaped at him. Finding her voice, she said, “Don’t need to go to an ER. It’s only a twist.”

  Grinning, Dan responded, “Fair’s fair. If it were me, you and Boss would be all over me to be checked out. You’d be calling EMS and forcing me to take a trip to the hospital for x-rays. At least I’m not making you submit to EMTs.”

  She couldn’t argue with him on that point. He’s right, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander… no, it should be reversed, he’s the male. The team had been over-cautious with Dan’s injuries ever since finding out he excelled at hiding and downplaying them. She nodded, she didn’t have a choice, not if she expected him to reciprocate the action without prodding in the future.

  Dan jogged into the house. He informed Boss and agreed to call him with the results of the x-ray.

  Jon’s Home – 8:30 p.m.

  Jon relaxed on the sofa nestled next to Jen in the darkened room. The TV provided the ambient lighting and entertainment as a rerun of the Sound of Music played on the screen. The dozen red roses Jon sent Jen sat prominently displayed on the living room table near the front window. A light fragrance of roses scenting the air mingled with the lingering aroma of the delicious dinner Jen made for them tonight. On the table in front of them were two glasses of partially consumed red wine. The wine paired well with steak marsala, twice baked potatoes, and parmesan crusted asparagus.

  Jen’s head rested on Jon’s chest while his arm encompassed her shoulders leaving his hand in a position to trail up and down her arm gently. Jon wasn’t interested in the show and allowed his mind wander. His beautiful wife ordered a change in their plans when she learned he had been shot with a crossbow bolt. She decided they would enjoy an intimate night at home in place of going to the restaurant.

  She sent him to take a relaxing shower while dinner cooked. Afterward, he dressed in a comfortable pair of loose sweatpants and a t-shirt which didn’t restrict his movements or cause his bruised stomach pain. Despite only taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as instructed by his doctor, and not something stronger, Jon chose to not take any chances tonight with alcohol. A half-emptied wine glass sat on the coffee table as evidence of his adjusted mindset.

  After dinner, they settled down on the couch for a quiet evening with no kids. Jon insisted Jen pick the movie since she made him a tasty meal. Suffering through a chick flick instead of some action movie, was the least he could do for ruining tonight’s plans.

  Jon recognized he needed to make changes in his home life. Jen deserved more from him. He might consider Bram’s method of celebrating Valentine’s Day before or after the actual day. That way he would be the one pampering Jen and showing her that he loved her with all his heart.

  Yeah, I might do that next year. Bram had been right about a lot of things lately. Today he was right regarding how to handle the rookie. He caught glimpses of the looks Dan shot his way during debrief.

  Dan’s face adopted an impassive facade revealing little. However, his expressive eyes betrayed his soul. By paying attention to the rookie’s eyes as Bram instructed, he read Dan for the first time. After a few discrete glances, Jon came to the conclusion Dan waited for punishment like a man facing a firing squad.

  Those fleeting emotions displayed in his eyes gave him a glimpse of thoughts and feelings Dan hid with the mask he showed to the world. An image of one of their ballistic shields with Dan behind it entered Jon’s head. Yeah, their protective equipment presented a decent analogy—those shields protected them in dangerous situations. Their shields possessed a little window allowing them to view subjects, and conversely, the subjects could see them through the tiny window.

  Dan’s eyes were like that portal. If Jon peered carefully enough, he might glimpse the man behind the shield. The one who strove to come to terms with killing his best friend—not an easy thing to do. Unsure how he would cope if presented with that scenario, Jon figured he would likely shut down emotionally too—not that he ever showed his real emotions to anyone.

  Jon possessed emotions like everyone, and it would be a crushing weight of guilt if he were responsible for a teammate’s death. That’s why he had been so enraged earlier. He could’ve killed Dan, and then he would be dealing with guilt now. But he had not, and Dan remained alive and well.

  On the way to their fourth call today, Bram muted his headset and shared with him what Lexa said and did after the crossbow call. He had been too busy with Loki to pay attention to what transpired between them. Bram indicated Dan seemed surprised and confused by Lexa’s caring comments and that she didn’t lecture him about endangering Jon, but himself. He said Dan’s body language transformed from one of a warrior prepared for a battle to one of shock. Bram believed Lexa managed to break a barrier by using a soft approach.

  During debrief, Jon decided to follow Bram’s advice not to hammer home Dan’s actions were stupid and risky. Jon thought Lexa might be an ally in breaking the rookie of his habit of taking unacceptable risks. Perhaps her sweet carrot would work better than his whumping stick. The idea bore merit.

  Jon put away thoughts of work and focused on Jen. With a quick glance at the time, he confirmed it still to be Valentine’s Day after all, and he should be focusing on his wife. He leaned down, tucked her silky, shoulder-length, raven hair behind her ear and huskily whispered, “Ready for bed, My Queen?”

  Hearing the pet name Jon called her since high-school, Jen turned her head to gaze into Jon’s gunmetal gray eyes. She noted the passion brewing in them and understood the intent of his tone. There would be no sleeping for quite some time tonight. An amorous mood dominated her husband.

  She delivered her answer by rotating her body to kiss him. Their lips danced lightly at first, but as the fire and heat grew, their kissing became more ardent. The movie forgotten, Jon and Jen behaved like love-struck teenagers as they got hot and heavy on their living room sofa.

  Mercy Hospital – ER Waiting Area – 9:00 p.m.

  Dan sat in a plastic chair surrounded by others wh
o waited for friends or family receiving treatment from doctors. Having shed his tactical vest before carrying Lexa into the ER, he leaned back and relaxed. He grinned recalling how Lexa insisted on trying to hobble in, but after catching the soft hiss of pain as she put weight on her left foot, he scooped her up again.

  His actions unwelcomed by the damsel in his arms, his chivalry had been greeted with fire from her eyes as Lexa growled out for him to put her down. He took his life in his hands as he ignored her and proceeded to carry her all the way back to the examination room. Strategically, he hauled ass to the waiting room before she could lay into him about being a chauvinist pig or something.

  Dan realized she would be giving him a piece of her mind. The one thing he discovered about Lexa from the past months on this team was she didn’t like to appear less capable than a man. He had been on the receiving end of several lectures about how she could take care of herself. Dan recognized she could, but a part of him didn’t want her to have to.

  Being protective of women was an ingrained aspect of his character. He didn’t view them as incapable or weaker. He had ample experience with strong women who would give any man a run for their money in the ability department—Bella and Anastasia to name two. He added Lexa to the list. No, he never thought them inferior, his birthright contained a natural inclination to safeguard them. And the familial proclivity thrived and grew stronger than ever when it came to one incredibly sexy sniper.

  Lexa hit him at a base level. Dan began to realize his feelings for her went beyond lust ... but not quite sure what. Sure, a sexual attraction existed, but also something more … though he couldn’t define what drew him to her. When she touched him today, he almost did something which would have resulted in him being fired … he nearly kissed her in front of the entire team.

  Dan stared up at the ceiling and quietly said, “What am I gonna do, Brody?”

  He waited for an answer, but none came, and his phone rang. He pulled it out and checked the caller ID, Boss. “Broderick.”

  Nick continued to work on his papers at headquarters, but he wanted an update on Lexa’s condition, so he called Dan. “How’s Lexa?”

  “Still back in the exam room. The ER is busy today, and the nurse said it could be a while before she is seen.”

  “Yeah, the emergency room tends to be busy on Valentine’s Day. I also called to inform you the team is off tomorrow. With Jon and Loki on light duty and now the possibility of Lexa, too, Gambrill switched up the schedule and Echo Team will be covering for us tomorrow. We’ll take one of their shifts next week to compensate them.”

  “How are Loki and Jon?”

  Nick leaned back in his chair and stared at the city lights outside the briefing room. “Jon’s a bit bruised. No real damage. Loki’s ankle is sprained, and he’ll be on crutches for a few days. Other than that, he’s fine. He wanted me to relay his thanks to you.”

  Dan smiled because neither ended up hurt badly, but tension increased as he thought about the fact Jon had not laid into him earlier. Still perplexed by the lack of a typical and expected dress down, Dan took charge to own up to his misdeed. “Sarge, I’m sorry my action got Jon shot with the bolt. I’m prepared to accept any punishment meted out.”

  Interesting. Nick asked calmly, “Why did you do it?”

  Dan raked one hand through his hair. “She didn’t appear to be in her right mind. I’m tired of people dying needlessly. My reaction was wrong, but I didn’t want her to die. If the bow came up, we’d have to shoot her. So, I took action.”

  Understanding the implications of Dan’s answer, Nick was glad he asked. It gave him another little piece of the puzzle. Dan had grown weary of witnessing death. Nick comprehended how many of the rookie’s actions—the ones Jon deemed unacceptable risks—might be reclassified to fit under this category. Dan mirrored Ray who also preferred less lethal solutions—heck, they all did. He empathized with Dan’s plight.

  “You recognize the error in your judgment. Learn from it and adjust your actions in the future and we’ll be fine. Alright?” Nick stated.

  Again, Dan didn’t know how to respond. He kept expecting something—a suspension, extra cleaning duty or laps—something, but not this. “Yes, sir.”

  Nick moved on to his next agenda. “Can I ask you a favor?”

  While still processing there were no ramifications to his actions, Dan automatically answered, “Sure.”

  “Would you make sure Lexa gets home safely? She probably shouldn’t drive her Jeep home. Also, if you could relay to her the change in duty tour, I’d appreciate the help. I would do it, but I’ve got a ton of paperwork to plow through before I leave tonight.”

  Nick glanced at his forms. A true statement, but one which gave Lexa an opportunity to talk to Dan outside of work, where she might make a stronger connection with their rookie as she did with both Loki and Ray.

  Right after the request left his lips, he realized Dan had plans to meet the woman from earlier, JD, and he backtracked. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked. I forgot you are meeting someone tonight. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes and take care of Lexa.”

  Dan responded truthfully without even thinking. “I can take Lexa home, not a problem. I don’t have a date. JD is an old friend. She stopped by to say hi before meeting her fiancé for dinner.” As soon as he said it, Dan cringed. So much for keeping his cover of having a dating life.

  Nick thought, interesting—again. “Alright, well, I do appreciate it. If you or Lexa need anything, call. And Dan…”

  “Yeah?”

  “Fine work today. Valentine’s Day is always a tough day. Get some rest.”

  “Thanks, will do.” Dan hung up after Sarge. A strange conversation. He blew out a breath as he wondered how Lexa would react when he told her Boss asked him to ensure she arrived home safe and sound. Will she glare daggers at me or merely accept it since Boss essentially ordered me? The door to the ER area opened, and Lexa hobbled out on crutches. Guess I’ll find out real soon.

  Chivalry Isn’t Dead

  28

  February 14

  Outside Lexa’s Home – 10:10 p.m.

  As Lexa opened the passenger door of her Jeep, she still fumed inside. I can take care of myself, thank you very much, she sullenly thought as she moved her right foot to the ground and kept all her weight off her left. She had an automatic shift in her vehicle, not a clutch, so she didn’t need Dan to drive her home. But when they returned to headquarters, Boss insisted.

  She felt like growling at both of them but clamped her mouth into a tight line. Lexa tried to remind herself the team did this for anyone injured and released. Bram drove Jon home tonight. Ray went to the hospital to pick up Loki and took him to his abode. So Dan delivering her to her residence was not out of the norm for the team.

  It is not the deed, not the motives …well, to be truthful, maybe, but the conveyor of the action, Dan, is the real problem. If Boss brought me home, I wouldn’t be so out of sorts. Why? Simple. Boss didn’t attempt to kiss me today in front of the whole team. And touching Boss doesn’t fill me with electricity and feelings I don’t want. Dan does!

  Dan retrieved Lexa’s crutches and gear bag from the back, rounded the Jeep, and handed only the crutches to her. “I’ll grab the food and open the door.” He slung her bag over his shoulder.

  “Give me my keys. I can open my own door,” Lexa sniped out harsher than intended.

  Dan ignored her and reached into Lexa’s Jeep for the takeout food he picked up on the way here. Neither of them had eaten anything since the power bar they snacked on during debrief. Well, not quite right … on the way here, Lexa consumed the remaining eight chocolate hearts Loki gave her this morning. Lexa loved chocolate.

  He briskly strode to her door, leaving her to manage the two steps up to her house alone. He learned that lesson already—painfully. She whacked him with her crutch when he tried to assist her down the curb outside the hospital. Her action garnered chuckles from the few bystand
ers who witnessed one TRF officer smack another on the head with a crutch.

  Dan opened the door and stood aside as he monitored Lexa’s struggle. He fought the desire to pick her up and carry her in. Not going to tempt fate. She's not armed now, but she will be again soon, and I don’t want to chance her being angry enough with me to shoot me in the ass. As it is, she appears exceptionally grumpy. I sure as hell don’t want to progress to thoroughly pissed off.

  Lexa hated unwieldy and unstable crutches. She slowly made it up the stairs to where Dan waited with an unreadable expression. She felt terrible for walloping him with the crutch, but … she had used crutches several times over the years and never needed any help. They’re only a pain in the butt to use. For goodness sakes, I’m not an invalid. I can manage going down a curb by myself.

  Lexa’s Home – Kitchen

  As Lexa hobbled into her house leading the way to the kitchen, Dan followed after closing and locking her front door. His ingrained habit screamed at him to do a sweep of her home. Having covered his brother’s six for years, going into anyplace without scanning for threats and identifying all exits left him uneasy.

  Dan clamped down on his need to clear the house, reminding himself he no longer conducted operations in the fields of Afghanistan or any number of dangerous places he had been in for years. Though, habits which kept him alive for years he found hard to stop. My AO, … wait, change my thinking … my workplace, the streets of Toronto are not a war zone.

  Lexa turned on the light. “Sorry for the mess. Been busy drywalling for the last week and haven’t had time to clean up.” She moved to the fridge. “Beer, water, or soda. Which would you prefer?”

  Dan set the Chinese food on Lexa’s kitchen island after making a space among the melee of dust masks, various tools, a couple of empty take-out containers, beer bottles, and soda cans. He noted a few pans and dishes stacked in the sink. Another entrenched practice —one instilled from the time he could crawl—to keep his possessions and space squared away, leapt to the forefront. Her place was not dirty, only messy, but he itched to put the area to rights. Oft heard words from his childhood rang in the back of his mind … a place for everything and everything in its place.