OUTLIER: Blood, Brotherhood, And Beauty (Beauty 0f Lifee Book 4)

by Laura Acton

  Bram said Daniel could wait. Why didn’t he wait? The lightbulb came on. Damn, his son did this for Aaron’s family. William recalled now that the constable’s family wouldn’t be informed how Aaron died until Daniel completed his interviews. The self-sacrificing nature of his son awed him.

  He closed his eyes as more misery washed through his heart. Will my son ever learn he need not be the one to always sacrifice? What would a day or two actually mean to Aaron’s parents?

  William bowed his head—it would mean everything to them. He knew because he still ached with the pain of losing a child. If he had to wait days to learn the reason for Sara’s death, he would’ve gone crazy.

  Pride for his son grew even more. Daniel is one of a kind—special … and cherished. William wished he could openly show his love for his son. He was tired of pretending he didn’t care. A switch flipped in his head—he could and he would!

  Nick studied the general and caught the fleeting anguished expression on his face before the general bowed his head. His instincts told him more was going than Dan’s father sensing Dan’s grief—the general’s anguish at the loss of his daughter played in those eyes. Perhaps both father and son needed a break.

  Observing Blondie, Blaze noted he paled considerably, and his breathing became uneven. The welling tears told him Blondie was fighting hard not to cry. These were signs the kid was struggling, signs he learned from Brody.

  Blaze wanted to hold him like Brody would’ve done. It was still too raw, too soon for Blondie to be discussing anything. He turned to Patch and started to tell him to call a break when Agent Stevens spoke.

  Kendall listened to the ragged breaths and glimpsed the single tear slide down Dan’s face—such sorrow in his eyes. If she had any clue her question would’ve caused him pain, she wouldn’t have asked it. Her voice a little unsteady she said, “We’ll break for at least ten minutes. I need to document my findings, so far.”

  Blaze studied Agent Stevens. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. Blondie’s words touched her like they did everyone else. Her excuse to document appeared to be a complete fabrication.

  This wrenched Kendall’s heart, especially after witnessing what Donner did to Dan. She couldn’t believe Richard Donner blamed a nine-year-old boy, who had watched his sister die, of causing his father’s suicide. She needed the break so had called for it under false pretenses.

  Kendall shuffled papers and wrote nonsense down, pretending to be doing something, as she remembered all the hurtful things Donner hurled at Dan. Her twisted stomach remembering the sickening attack on Dan. She excused herself and went to the bathroom where she splashed cold water on her face and took several minutes to regain her aplomb.

  Dan slowed his breathing to regain control and contemplated his words. The subtle shift in his thinking surprised him. Strange on today of all days. This is the first time I ever described it as ‘nothing I could do to save my sister’ versus ‘it was my fault, I failed to save her.’

  His mind now conceded his nine-year-old self couldn’t prevent the accident. Some things were out of his control, and that was not a failure on his part. When a soft, lilting laugh sounded behind him, Dan turned his head. Sara? The giggle sounded again, and he closed his eyes to listen—cherishing Sara’s joyful laugh—and though not rationally possible it was Sara’s laugh.

  The sound soothed him. His mind brought forth happy memories of Sara—riding bikes, pushing her on the swings, a snowball fight, and reading to her. Dan opened his eyes when a hand lightly landed on his arm. Lexa knelt next to his chair and held a drink in her hands with a long straw in it.

  Lexa listened to Dan’s pain-filled words and wanted to kiss away the solitary tear which had escaped and traced down his face. With the entire team here, she couldn’t do that, so she improvised and brought a drink and tissue. Lexa gently wiped his eyes for him as she asked with concern in her voice, “Want an energy drink? How ya holding up?”

  Stunned by Lexa’s overt display of concern, his gut clenched. Dan worried and wonder if the team would read anything into Lexa’s action. He scanned the room noting most of the team was focused elsewhere—probably giving him privacy due to his tears. He relaxed slightly.

  “Sure. Thanks. These interviews are always hard, but you understand that.” Dan spoke honestly but, with a small deflection. He wanted no one to find out what happened on this date because he might see pity and he couldn’t handle that on top of everything else.

  Though something told Dan, he could be honest with Lexa. He didn’t think she would ever pity him. She viewed his scars and still wanted to have a friends-with-benefits relationship with him. No, Lexa would never pity him. He gazed into her beautiful hazel eyes. The tiny flecks of gold shone with compassion and maybe a hint of desire—the fire between them still burned. He silently wished she would run her fingers through his hair again.

  Lexa handed Dan the drink. As she rose to return to her seat, she ran her fingers through his hair again as she said, “Yeah, always hard. Only one more left though. You can do this. We’re here for you.”

  She thought he sighed contentedly. Lexa wanted to stay here and continue to help him relax in this way, but she couldn’t without drawing curious looks from the team. Lexa walked back to her chair and sat down while her fingers tingled from the electricity which came with touching Dan. It was strange sensation—one she never experienced with any other man.

  Nick observed Dan and Lexa intently. His intuition spiked as he got the impression there was more there than just teammates. Nothing he could define completely, but he noticed the way she comforted Dan and his response. He recognized they connected, but what was the nature of their connection?

  Part of Nick thought they were unaware of the connection. Odd though, usually Lexa possessed more insight. He decided to keep a watchful eye on them. He worried this connection was potent. It could cause them to cross the line at some point—that would be bad for his family.

  He sighed and went to grab a bottle of water. He eyed the stocked bar. An old demon beckoned him. Nick was glad the room was full of people. The stress of the past few days was taxing. When he was at his weakest, the demon in the bottle summoned him loudly.

  Nick turned away from the bar. That was not who he was anymore—he wouldn’t go down that destructive path again. Instead, he recalled the anguish he saw cross General Broderick’s face and went to check on him to make sure he was holding up through this.

  Precious Memories and Revelations

  6

  July 19

  Near Yellowknife, NWT – Safe House – 7:40 a.m. (9:40 Toronto)

  Mike Galloway stepped out on the porch into a beautiful morning full of bright sunshine. He took a moment to inhale the crisp, fresh pine-scented air and tracked a flock of birds as they flew by. His mind shifted, dismayed Mrs. Broderick’s day would be an unpleasant one—July nineteenth always was. He lifted the small quilted blanket in his hand as he stepped towards her.

  The general’s wife was an elegant lady. She had refined aristocratic facial features and striking emerald green eyes. Her face was still smooth except for the few laugh lines which gracefully crinkled around her eyes when she smiled. Her shoulder-length, light blonde hair contained only a few white strands. She was a lovely woman both in looks and personality. She reminded Mike of his own mother—they both had loving and caring hearts.

  He stopped when he reached the swing. “Good morning, Mrs. Broderick.”

  Yvonne turned and peered up at Mike. “Good morning, Mike. Please, how many times do I have to ask you to call me Yvonne?”

  Mike chuckled. “Ma’am, I suspect every time I call you Mrs. Broderick.” He held out the small quilt and said, “It’s only sixty degrees. A little too chilly for you to be out here without a jacket or a blanket.”

  Sighing, Yvonne reached out her hand and took the offered quilt. “Thank you.” She didn’t tell Mike she didn’t feel the chill at the moment because she had been lost in old memories. Though, he kn
ew her too well and probably figured it out already.

  Knowing how today affect her, Mike asked, “Can I bring you anything? A cup of tea or coffee?” He thought but didn’t say, a glass of wine, a shot of whiskey—something, anything, to dull your heartache.

  “Tea please,” Yvonne said as she spread the blanket over her lap.

  Mike nodded and went back inside. Mrs. Broderick would appreciate time to herself today. He instructed his men to make themselves invisible and planned things so Becca would sleep in this morning. The guys stayed up into the wee hours of the morning playing poker with Becca—Miss Fashionista would be asleep for several more hours.

  He grinned as he thought about poor Drake. The guys thought they would clean house with her, but Becca poured on her charm last night and distracted his men from their cards. Becca raked in all the winnings. Drake believed he won the last hand but didn’t have enough to call her bet, so he offered to do her chores for the next week. Becca accepted his marker instead of his money, and Drake laid his three kings and two jacks down and gloated.

  Becca gave Drake a beautiful pout at first. Drake started to rake in the winnings when her pout turned into a Cheshire cat grin as she laid her cards on the table. Becca’s three aces and two queens stilled his hands. Drake’s face had fallen, and he groaned at doing double duty on chores all week.

  Chamomile tea would be soothing Mike thought. Placing a tea bag in the china cup, he poured the boiling water. Then he filled a plate with cookies Mrs. Broderick and Becca made—avoiding Becca’s burnt ones. He took both out to the lovely lady who put on a brave face though her heart ached.

  The little radio sitting on the porch table played soft new age music which quieted Yvonne’s restless mind. When Mike set the chamomile tea and plate of cookies down, she gave him a warm smile. “Thank you. You and your men are too good to me. I feel so pampered.”

  Mike caught the glimmer of tears in her green eyes. She needed privacy. Softly he said, “I’ll be inside if you need anything. Becca was up until three, so you should have most of the morning all to yourself.”

  “Thank you.” She picked up her tea, and her eyes followed Mike inside. They were so lucky to have Mike in their lives. The young man had been so lost and afraid right after William rescued him. Over the years, she became friends with Mike’s mother. The Baron and Baroness were so proud of their son—and rightly so. Mike could’ve chosen to live an idle life, but instead opted to make a difference—and Mike made a huge difference. Just like her son.

  Yvonne shifted her gaze to the whispering pines. The tops swayed ever so gently with the summer breeze. Danny loved to climb to the very tops of the trees. He used to sit for hours up in the trees with the cool breeze in his face.

  As she closed her eyes, Yvonne conjured up an image of Danny as a little boy. The image was always accompanied by one of Sara. Yvonne pictured their golden blond heads, bright smiles, and could almost hear their laughter as they played together. Those two were inseparable. She often wondered if they were meant to be twins, but ended up being born two years apart on the same day. February ninth was a day of great joy and sadness.

  Though July nineteenth contained only sorrow. Sara was taken from them this day. Her light extinguished in a flash, and the world denied a lovely soul. Although Yvonne liked to think Sara was so special, she was called to Heaven for a greater purpose. It helped ease her grief.

  But nothing eased her ache of losing Danny. He didn’t die physically, yet the light in him died. Hope, she maintained hope he would return to her one day.

  As she opened her eyes, tears welled and slowly trailed down her face. Yvonne focused on the tree tops and sent her soft message into the air hoping it would find her son. “My son, your long journey in darkness and shadows will end one day. I hold a light in my heart for you. I trust one day you’ll find your way back home. I’ll be here when you do.

  “My love for you has never faltered … come home to me. Walk the valley, ford the rivers, climb the peaks, and know I walk along side of you. You are never truly alone … my heart is always with you.

  “Stand on the mountain, survey the valley below, and let the cool breeze ruffle your hair. The breeze is me caressing you—a mother’s love touching you. Reflect on the long, long journey you made through the darkness. Though arduous, it shaped you into the man you are today. A man many would consider an outlier—a man who comes along only once in a millennium.

  “Danny, you are extraordinary and will bring light to millions in your lifetime. The lives you touch with your goodness and honor will touch other lives and create connection upon connection. The world is a better place because you live. Never give up no matter what obstacle you face. You will make your way home, and I will wait patiently holding hope, light, and love. Come back, my son, my heart and arms ache to embrace you again.”

  Yvonne closed her eyes and gently swayed back and forth on the porch swing. Her mind went back in time to relive every precious moment of Danny’s and Sara’s lives until the moment the light was extinguished from their eyes.

  Grand Citadel Hotel – Main Suite – 10:15 a.m.

  After a ten-minute break, Kendall returned to her seat, composed once again. She examined Dan and noted he regained his composure. She resumed the interview. “Based on the facts of this case, and the testimony given here, my recommendation is justified use of lethal force.

  “Now, the final call, the gang war in Rouge Park. I obtained a statement from Constable Frank Hudson who was a member of the team lead by Constable Broderick.” Kendall raised her eyes from her paperwork and directed her gaze to Lexa. “Constable McKenna, please provide an accounting of the actions of the team up until spotting the subjects in the clearing.”

  Lexa reported all the details. When she finished, Kendall asked, “You say Constable Broderick appeared annoyed by something Constable Plouffe did and switched pairings? Do you know what it was about?”

  Shaking her head, Lexa answered, “No. Perhaps Dan wanted to keep closer tabs on Aaron. Don’t get me wrong, Aaron was a decent officer, but he acted like a jerk that day. We all have off days now and again. Nothing Dan couldn’t handle, though.”

  Dan didn’t want Aaron maligned so interjected, “Aaron was professional when needed.”

  Intrigued by the statement, Kendall asked, “Constable Broderick, please explain why you switched up the pairings?”

  Everyone watched Dan closely. Something bothered him, he appeared uncomfortable and reluctant to explain. Jon, Blaze, and Bram each thought they read a hint of fear in his eyes. He didn’t want to say why.

  Crap! What did I just tell myself about being honest with Lexa? She’s gonna be pissed off. Lexa wouldn’t punch me, would she? Dan braced himself and stated vague facts, “Aaron put the team at risk because of his actions. I made him take point with me so I could keep the team safe.”

  Will Stevens let me get away with only this? Please, please, don’t ask what actions, Dan begged silently.

  “What actions put the team at risk?” Kendall asked unaware of his tension.

  Damn! Never lucky. “Aaron requested Lexa take point and told her he was better at covering the rear.” Dan took a breath as he thought of a truthful deflection and hoped the agent would drop it after he replied. “Aaron appeared distracted. It raised my concerns, so I moved him to point with me.”

  Kendall probed further, “Distracted how?”

  Damn, damn, damn! Just say and get it over. Dan peeked at Lexa and tensed in expectation of her coming explosion. He bit the bullet as he said, “Aaron paid attention to Lexa’s backside, watching her rear, not the rear.”

  No one expected that answer. The room erupted in laughter.

  Except for Lexa. Instead, fire sparked and burned brightly in the golden flecks of Lexa’s eyes as she shouted, “Aaron was leering at me! I should’ve decked him. He deserved it, mostly for all the garbage he spewed at you. How dare he put you and Frank at risk by doing that?” She continued to spout off, incensed
by Aaron’s actions because they put the other guys at risk.

  Nick moved toward Lexa while everyone except Dan moved out of her range. He touched her shoulder and said with a drawn-out sigh, “Lexa.” He gave her a ‘settle down,’ look without saying the words. He understood her ire, she worried about the others.

  She smoldered a bit longer. Abruptly she turned on Dan as fire sparked anew in her eyes. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me? I would’ve handled it!”

  Dan gave Lexa a playful look and replied, “Um … when did I have time? Please don’t punch me,” Then he ducked his head down trying to hide the laughter which infected him at the continued chortling of the guys.

  Lexa blew out a breath. Dan’s words, although said with humor, dumped a bucket of cold water on her extinguishing the fire. Did he really think she would hit him? And Jesus H. Christ—he hadn’t had time to say anything.

  “You’re off the hook, Broderick. This time! But in the future, you tell me, and I’ll take care of the idiot myself,” Lexa said as she tried to resume her calm, professional demeanor.

  The team burst into laughter again as Ray, Loki, and Jon all rubbed their arms where Lexa landed at least one punch in the past. Without a doubt, Lexa McKenna could take care of herself. She might be small and look delicate, but Lexa was a powerhouse when needed.

  After several more minutes of hilarity at the expense of Lexa, Kendall tried to return the proceedings to a serious note. It was difficult, she liked watching them all laugh. “Alright, let’s calm down. Constable McKenna, please explain what ensued in the clearing resulting in the death of two subjects and injury to Constable Hudson.”

  Lexa recounted how they circled around and planned to contain the subjects until backup arrived. She described her Zulu position, Frank’s position, and how Dan spotted the subject behind them. Kendall asked a few clarifying questions, and then Lexa explained how the team split up to apprehend the three remaining subjects.