by Laura Acton
Zach flashed a gloating grin at Adam. “So you gonna be my co-pilot?”
Adam snorted. “More like you’re my co-pilot, little brother.”
“Nuh uh. You’re not certified on Bella’s plane. I am.” Zach snickered.
“Minor detail. I can fly anything.” Adam eyed his uppity little brother. He would never admit out loud his pride in Zach’s ability to fly anything with and without wings—it was too much fun teasing him.
Zach chuckled. “Maybe so, but legally … I’m the pilot today.” Then he changed subjects. “I can’t wait to see Dan. It has been way too long.”
Every Broderick nodded in full agreement as Jeff asked, “Do they know we managed to get leaves arranged and are arriving tonight?”
Mark said, “No, I haven’t called yet. They are going to the memorial this afternoon. I’ll call Will before we leave.”
Goodbye to an Honorable Man
12
July 19
Inside Church – Aaron’s Funeral – 3:00 p.m.
The church overflowed with standing room only, except for two empty seats in the last row. Aaron’s urn and a large picture of him sat on the altar at the front surrounded by flowers. His parents, David and Genevieve, sat with Aaron’s brother, sister, and fiancée in the first pew. Major Plouffe sat in the second row with extended family. Delta Team took seats near Commander Gambrill, the Chief of Police, and other local dignitaries. Charlie and Echo team members dispersed throughout, keeping watch for Pletcher, Murphy, and Travis in the crowd.
All eyes pivoted to the last group of people to arrive. A collective gasp sounded as people glimpsed Dan’s face. Many showed surprise when they saw a General of the Canadian Armed Forces enter the church. The amount of eye candy on his chest and on the chest of the captain and corporal who flanked Constable Broderick was impressive. Many curious people wondered why armed soldiers and TRF officers attended Aaron’s funeral—rather odd they thought.
Most of Delta Team members expressions showed concern and surprise at Dan’s appearance. Their thoughts nearly identical. What the hell is he doing here? He is so beat up. He should still be in the hospital, but thank God, he is alive, and we aren’t saying goodbye to two TRF officers today.
A surge of pride swelled in the members of the TRF because Dan came to pay his respects to Aaron even after everything Aaron said about Dan to anyone who would listen to his trash-talking.
Major Nigel Plouffe didn’t turn to look, his mouth curled into a tight-lipped smile when the Broderick’s entered. My toy soldier will be dead soon—Aaron will be avenged—and the general will know real suffering!
Mary Tillman, Aaron’s aunt, sat next to her brother Nigel. The cruel and eager expression on his face sent a shiver down her spine. Nigel might be her brother, but Mary never liked him—he gave her the creeps. Mary recognized her brother’s depravity long ago. When they were children Nigel snapped the neck of the neighbor’s cat—it disgusted and scared her.
She told her parents, but Nigel insisted it was an accident and they believed him. Ever since Mary steered clear of him, and she wasn’t alone. Over the years Nigel became the black sheep of the family, and he gave most the creeps. She glanced at her other brother, David. How can two brothers be so different? Mary shifted slightly away from Nigel wishing she didn’t have to sit next to him. She also wished he was still in Afghanistan—far, far, away from her.
Dan gradually made his way to the open aisle seat and gingerly lowered himself into it. All the stares embarrassed him, and he sat at rigid attention with his stoic mask firmly in place. The color on his face increased with the blush he couldn’t control—he hated being the object of everyone’s attention.
General Broderick took a seat between Daniel and the other person providing a small buffer. He placed a hand on Daniel’s left thigh and patted it lightly. He whispered, “Relax, son.”
Blaze and Winds stood directly behind Blondie. Patch stood off to the side where he could keep an eye on Blondie and gauge his physical well-being unobtrusively. Bram, Lexa, Ray, Loki, and Nick positioned themselves strategically around the room so they could keep an eye on Major Plouffe. They all wished Plouffe had already been arrested.
Jon stood in the aisle right next to Dan. He noted the tension in him, so gently placed his hand on Dan’s right shoulder leaving it there in a gesture of support. Jon’s eyes sought the back of the major’s head. You lowlife, you have no idea what’s in store for you. We’ve got substantial evidence. You’re gonna be arrested, tried, and locked away for life for your crimes.
The funeral began. The pastor recited the appropriate prayers and delivered comforting words. Commander Gambrill went to the front and spoke of Aaron’s accomplishments as a member of the TRF and his dedication to the force. Then Delta Team Sergeant Glen Turpin stood and offered his insights on the man he called a friend. The pastor opened it up for anyone who wanted to share memories or words of Aaron. Several people spoke about Aaron, and the picture they painted was a good man, a fun and mischievous boy, a loving son, and brother, and a good officer.
Dylan Plouffe, Aaron’s younger brother and a student of theology, stood and gave a touching eulogy. He focused his words on Aaron’s good traits and why he was proud to call him brother. Dylan shared his belief that everyone encountered trials as they walked God’s path and Aaron, though a good man, was only human and like many, he struggled with those tests.
“Aaron could be pig-headed and held on to erroneous thoughts a bit too long,” Dylan said solemnly. Then he brightened and declared, “Eventually, Aaron saw the truth and made amends for his egregious behavior. I will dearly miss my older brother. But I draw solace knowing Aaron is in Heaven watching over and protecting all those he loved.”
Dylan shifted his gaze to Tammy, smiled slightly, and concluded his remarks. “I vow before God to ensure Aaron’s son will know the honorable man Aaron was and to help raise him into a man both Aaron and God will be proud of.”
At the conclusion of the relatively short, but poignant service, most of the regular officers and all the dignitaries left. Aaron’s friends and family milled about and shared memories of Aaron with each other while they viewed the photos of Aaron placed around the church.
A young, pregnant woman with red-ringed, bloodshot, and teary eyes shyly approached Dan. With a shaky and frail voice, Tammy said, “Constable Broderick?”
Dan bowed his head during the service to hide the tears which welled in his eyes. Hearing his name, Dan raised his head. Tears still visible in his eyes, Dan studied the young woman. He deduced it must be Tammy. “Yes?”
Tammy audibly gasped as her hand flew to her mouth at the sight of his battered face. “Oh, my!” Recovering, she said, “Sorry, it looks so painful.”
He waited for her to continue.
“I’m sorry. My name is Tammy Middles, Aaron’s fiancée. I mean … was his fiancée.” New tears filled her eyes. “I wondered if I can talk to you?” Dan remained silent so she tentatively said, “I hoped you could, I mean I need to …” Her voice broke off in a little sob.
“Tammy, you wanted to talk to me?” Dan captured her sorrow filled eyes and the grief in them almost undid him.
“Yes, I need to know what happened. How Aaron … died. I need to know for our son …” She placed her hand on a very pregnant belly. “He will want to … know one day.” Tears slipped from both sets of eyes. “But there are too many, …” Tammy looked uncomfortably at all the people. “Too many people here. Can we talk privately?” Another soft sob came out.
Dan stood with difficulty, his muscles stiffened during the service. He gently held her hand her as she cried for several minutes. He wanted to hold her, but his injuries wouldn’t allow it.
As Dan held her hand, he communicated non-verbally, having a wordless war with Blaze and Jon, demanding to talk with Tammy privately. Aaron’s son would be fatherless because Aaron saved him. His final volley read, find a private place where I can talk to her and do it now! Dan spoke
to Tammy, “Yes, give them a moment to find a place for us to talk.”
Blaze and Jon conceded, grudgingly. The strategy is in and out—limit his exposure. This isn’t part of the plan.
“There is the gazebo in the courtyard out back,” Tammy suggested.
Frank Hudson walked over at that point. “Tammy? Are you okay?”
Jon said, “She wants to talk privately with Dan. We are going to the gazebo.”
Frank grimaced. That is where Aaron and Tammy were to be married next month. “Tammy, wouldn’t you rather talk in here?”
She shook her head recalling what Aaron’s uncle said—Dan didn’t like crowds. He would be more comfortable in private. Tammy put on a brave face. “No, I think the gazebo is a better place to talk. It is quieter there.”
“Lead the way,” William said. He wanted to finish this and return Daniel safely back to the hotel so his son could rest.
Courtyard Behind Church – 4:00 p.m.
They all followed Frank and Tammy towards the back entrance. Before Blaze and Jon allowed Dan to leave the safety of the church, the team scanned the area and took up positions around the courtyard.
Given the all clear by Blaze, Dan, and Tammy, with the general close at hand, exited and walked towards the white latticed gazebo in the middle of the small courtyard.
Tears filled Tammy’s eyes again as she gazed at where she and Aaron would have married in three weeks. A small bench big enough for two sat in the middle of the gazebo. Tammy examined Dan beside her and thought they should sit because he looked dreadful. She questioned what caused all his injuries—he appeared to have been in a fight for his very life. A sob escaped as she wondered if Aaron suffered injuries like this before he died—she hoped he didn’t.
Dan went straight to the bench because although he hated to admit it, he was physically and emotionally exhausted and needed to sit. During the funeral, many memories of Sara and Brody came to the forefront of his mind. Sara’s funeral was a blank spot in his memory. He was there, but he could recall nothing about it.
He missed Brody’s funeral. Later he would ask Blaze if they escorted their brother home and if they attended his funeral. Brody had no natural family, and he wanted nothing big—but Dan wished he could have attended. He needed to fulfill Brody’s one request. He wanted the guys to have a shot of Jack Daniels and toast that he was in a better place and with his beloved mother again.
Dan decided he would honor Brody’s last wish tonight with the guys. He would arrange a private moment before bed. Patch wouldn’t balk at him having one shot of JD. They could officially say goodbye to Brody together.
He cautiously lowered himself to the bench and turned his attention and thoughts back to Tammy who sat next to him. He noted the general stood to the side, not far away, yet affording him and Tammy privacy.
William watched Daniel stiffly sit down—glad there was a bench out here because his son was wiped out. He stood close, but far enough away to give the distraught woman a modicum of privacy. He had too much experience with speaking with grieving widows, fiancées, and families.
It was never easy but necessary. He was proud of Daniel for agreeing to speak with the young lady. William would’ve moved farther away to give them privacy, but he didn’t want to be too far from Daniel. He knew Blaze and Jon weren’t happy with this deviation from their plans. And frankly neither was he because Daniel was too exposed out here, but perhaps Daniel could ease her mind and give her comfort—the noble and the right thing to do.
Tammy’s crying lessened as she wiped her eyes with a tissue. “Thank you. I need to know. No one has told us anything about what happened. It’s just so hard not knowing.” She gazed into his sad eyes.
“Sorry, they usually tell the families what happened after the NRB interviews are complete and the findings are official. I wasn’t able to do the interview until this morning.”
Tammy gazed at him in understanding but waited silently.
“It will be a few more days until the official report is available. Until then, I’m sorry, but I can’t say anything.”
A heart-wrenching sob escaped as tears rolled unchecked from Tammy’s eyes. She buried her face in her hands. He couldn’t tell her, yet she needed to know.
Dan’s face screwed up showing his own misery as he closed his eyes a moment. Damn, he made her cry more—he didn’t want to do that. He needed to comfort her. Opening his eyes, he tried to put his right arm around her shoulders but hissed when he went too far. His chest hurt too much to raise his arm far enough, so he settled for putting his hand on her thigh.
Tammy heard the hiss and examined him again. “You’re hurt more than just your face and arm, aren’t you?”
He gave her a slight nod.
“Was Aaron hurt, like you? Did he suffer?” Tammy asked as she laid her hand over Dan’s on her lap.
Dan wanted badly to tell her something, so asked over the headset, “Boss, can I tell her what she needs to know?”
Tammy spotted Dan’s headset and his entire team surrounding them—and they are armed. The whole checking out the place had gone over her head. Something isn’t right—Tammy got scared.
Nick replied, “Keep it brief, only the essentials.”
“Copy that,” Dan said. Looking at Tammy, he explained, “I can’t tell you everything. You’ll need to wait for the official report.” He thought a moment what he could say to comfort Tammy.
Tammy nodded and wiped her eyes again. Her heart beat faster. She felt uncomfortable as she glanced around and wanted to go back inside. However, her need to know how Aaron died overpowered her intuition which said they should go inside. She remained seated, placed her hands protectively around her baby, and listened intently to him.
Softly, Dan shared, “Aaron didn’t suffer … it was quick. Aaron was an honorable man, and he saved my life. I wish I could have saved his life, too. Aaron wanted me to tell you that he loved you …” He trailed off.
Seeing Tammy’s hands around her belly, he decided that even though Aaron hadn’t said it, he would have if he lived long enough. So Dan added, “… and his baby. Aaron’s last words were of his great love for both of you. He was brave and noble—that’s what you need to tell his son.”
Tears flowed again from Tammy’s eyes, but they were filled with gratitude as she looked up at Dan. He said the words she needed to hear—Aaron loved them, and he hadn’t suffered. She squeaked out, “Thank you for telling me,” before her sobbing started again.
Up in a tree just outside the wall of the courtyard, Murphy watched and listened to the scene before him. Hatred for Broderick burned like acid in his gut. Look at all those people surrounding him. His daddy is right next to him. He gets someone killed, and they still support him. Now is the time to kill him!
Murphy sneered while silently praising himself for finding this position. He picked the perfect place. No one located him when they scanned the skyline. Blake suppressed a laugh as he hid behind the billboard which covered part of the tree. This location entirely concealed him.
All he needed to do now was move onto the sturdy branch covered in thick leaves to line up his shot. Then he could fire and fast line to the ground to make his get-away before anyone knew what hit Broderick. This would be good. Murphy inched into position—careful not to rustle the leaves. Once there, he leveled his gun, peered down the scope, lined up a perfect kill shot, and waited for the right moment.
William continued to scan the skyline for the threat of snipers. Everyone else shifted focus, but he was still in overwatch protector mode. Once a sniper, always a sniper.
He knew Murphy was initially a sniper, so if Murphy were a threat to Daniel, the sergeant would most likely be up high. William’s eyes were still eagle sharp, and he scanned places which he would use were he trying to make a shot into this courtyard. Too many options—and if the sniper were worth his salt, they would never see him.
But still, William scanned—he would protect his son with every asset he had
now. He was done pretending he didn’t love and care about Daniel. Several birds flew by as his eyes moved back to the large tree with dense foliage to scan it again.
His gut clenched when he saw the gentle movement of the leaves—there was no breeze. Then his blood froze in his veins when he located the tip of the rifle aimed at his son. As William launched himself toward Daniel, he shouted, “Sniper! Tree!”
As a shot rang out, William slammed into Daniel, knocking them both to the ground—landing hard. Three simultaneous shots instantly followed.
There was a moment of stunned silence as everyone looked up and watched as Murphy’s body teetered a moment on a branch then fell to the earth. The look of surprise forever etched on Murphy’s face—he was dead—three holes in his head from three perfect kill shots from three angles.
The moment was broken by Tammy’s piercing scream as she looked at Dan and the general unmoving on the ground. There was so much blood. Her eyes widened as she paled and swayed. Frank and Ray rushed forward and caught her just as her eyes rolled back in her head, and she fainted. Frank lifted Tammy into his arms and carried her inside. Ray drew his gun and covered Frank and Tammy as they moved inside to safety.
Nick, Bram, Loki, Winds, and Patch raced towards Dan and the general. Lexa, Jon, and Blaze, guns drawn and still smoking, scanned the area high and low for more threats. Blaze called out to his men on the perimeter to secure the area and look for more potential snipers.
Dan struggled to breathe with the general’s full weight on him and because the slam to the ground knocked all the wind out of him. Pain shot through his chest. He felt a wetness, and he was dizzy. The general was lifted from him, and suddenly there were hands, so many hands, probing him and preventing him from rising.
His brain registered the general was laying on the ground next to him. Dan turned his head and saw Patch’s crimson covered hands pressing down on the general’s shoulder. A pool of blood rapidly increased on the ground under his father.
Dan screamed in his head because he had no breath to actually yell the words. Dad! No, no! Dad, not now! No, Dad—not today—not again! He couldn’t be responsible for his father’s death. He couldn’t lose his dad on the day Sara died.
