by Laura Acton
Recalling the woman who she once thought a good friend and who had been the godmother to Nicolette, Jeannette grimaced. “How so?”
“I found out Jorge Pletcher is one of the people to whom Harriett sold information.”
“And this concerns us now, in what way?” she asked as interest rose in her. Were their daughters in danger again?
Dom bowed his head and when he lifted them tears welled in his eyes. Jeannette reached out and laid her hand on his cheek. Dom put his hand over hers and savored her touch. He would miss this so very much.
His words came out choked. “Remember what I told you about William’s son? About the torture he endured, and the scars?”
How can I forget? Though she never saw the scars, what Dom described when he brought their girls home after they had been kidnapped and nearly sold into slavery etched deeply in her imagination. Jeannette squeezed Dom’s hand as she recalled the sacrifice William’s son made to rescue their girls. Still hurt today to think Daniel willingly tried his soul and nearly died to save their girls. It is a debt they might never repay.
A tear slipped out of Dom’s eye and lazily rolled down his cheek. “The intel she sold to Pletcher allowed him to make contact with Abdul Khaliq Mousa.”
Jeannette sucked in a breath as her eyes widened at the mention of the head of a very active, but very elusive terrorist cell. Canadian JTF2, British SAS, and MI6 worked many joint operations trying to ferret out his locations. Every time they got close, Mousa would clean house and leave. “No.”
Dom frowned. “Yes, my love. It gets worse. I never shared with you, but William shared with me, the cell that took Daniel was Mousa’s. I’ve been looking into Pletcher ever since he tried to kill Becca. I discovered something I must tell William.”
Her eyes clouded with tears as she basically read her husband’s uncannily sharp mind. “Pletcher is involved with Daniel’s capture. Daniel was specifically targeted because he is William’s son.”
“I believe so. Mousa paid Pletcher millions to arrange for Daniel’s capture. I’m not sure how Pletcher managed to do that yet. Though Harriett Lambourne selling him the information on Mousa certainly facilitated it. Her treachery has touched the ones we love again.”
Jeannette’s voice hardened, “Dom, you need to eliminate Pletcher like we did Harriett. We owe Daniel for the life of our daughters. We must avenge what Pletcher tried to do to sweet Becca. Promise me you will do this. Let me go knowing you will do this.”
Tears dripped down as Dom’s voice became steel. “I promise you, my sweet Jeannette. I will call William and do what I can from here. I will set our contacts working to find Pletcher. But I am not leaving you now—you are my heart. I will be here with you until sleep eternal comes to take you from me.”
She gazed lovingly at Dom knowing nothing she might say and nothing anyone might do would move Dom from her side. She had been blessed with a soulmate. The only part of dying which scared her was what would happen to those she left. What would happen to Dom and her girls?
Jeannette pushed the disturbing thought away and allowed the love she felt for Dom to shine in her eyes. She wanted her last days to be focused on their love. “My love, my forever love. I will miss you so very much. For now … kiss me, my love … kiss me slow and gentle the way that makes my soul sing your name.”
Dom leaned down and tenderly kissed Jeannette.
St. Michael’s Hospital – ICU Waiting Room – 2:30 a.m.
It was nearing two thirty Saturday morning when the group arrived in the ICU waiting room on the fifth floor. Getting Dan ready to move from post op to ICU had taken longer than expected. The ICU waiting room was much smaller than the one they were in before. It was a good thing no other families were in it because there weren’t even enough chairs for them.
As the group discussed who should go first, William’s phone buzzed in Mark’s pocket. Mark had commandeered the phone from Will after his brief call to Yvonne. It was brief because Yvonne ordered William to rest.
Mark knew this because she called him directly after and told him to take William’s phone and said Tom and Mike were more than capable of handling things while Will rested. No one ever told a Broderick female no when they were protecting one of the family. And in this case, Mark concurred—William is wiped out.
He pulled out the phone and didn’t recognize the number. Knowing William would be pissed if he ignored the call, he turned the phone to his brother and asked, “Should you take this call?”
William glanced and the number. Why is Dom calling? Then he wondered if Jeannette had passed. His friend would need a sympathetic ear. William reached for the phone as Mark handed it to him.
“Bonjour,” William said.
Dom said, “Hello, my friend. I would like to share valuable information with you.” Dom paced and kept glancing at his computer.
William recognized the business quality of Dom’s voice, and it set his mind in motion. “Is it regarding my last visit?”
Not sure if William was in a secure location Dom answered cryptically, “Yes, it is, my friend. I believe I located the vintage of wine you were searching for. It is only available for a limited time. You need to act fast if you want to procure it.”
This had to do with Pletcher. “How fast?”
“Well the vintage is being flown in special in the next few days—it will move swiftly. Who knows when another opportunity to acquire it will arise. I’d say you have twenty-four hours if you want it.” Dom let William know he had twenty-four hours to arrange things.
“Where?” William started thinking about his available units.
Dom thought how to communicate it on an open line then he grimaced. William would understand this clue, but it would also bring up horrible memories for his friend. Though it was the only way to communicate where and it was random enough anyone listening in wouldn’t understand. “You remember the Cherry Club?”
William stiffened. Makhachkala? Pletcher is arriving in Makhachkala? His only trusted unit in Kandahar now is Sergeant Srònaich O’Naoimhín’s unit. But he couldn’t risk sending in Mason—still a wanted man there. At nearly seven feet tall and with a facial scar he would be too recognizable. William answered simply, “Yes.”
“Wish I could go retrieve it for you, my friend. But …”
“You have more important issues.” William understood, Jeannette had cancer and Dom was focused on caring for his wife now. That he was researching Pletcher for him staggered William. Dom was a valued and long-time friend.
William wanted Tom in the loop. “Perhaps you can give our mutual friend a ring. He is also interested in acquiring that vintage of wine.”
Dom understood—call Sutton. “I’ll do that.”
“Thanks. Please give our love to your heart, my friend.”
“I will. Hope you are able to obtain the vintage you seek. Happy hunting.” Dom hung up and looked to Jeannette who was sleeping again. He whispered, “William sends his love, my sweet.”
After William hung up, he motioned for Blaze to come close.
Blaze stepped forward after hearing the cryptic call. “Yes, sir.”
General Broderick’s eyes closed a moment, he hated to send them on this mission. But he and they had a duty and duty came first. Blaze’s unit was his best option at the moment—Hammer’s unit was still in Vancouver, and that would add additional travel time which might result in them missing Pletcher. “I need your unit to leave directly after you visit with Daniel. You have a mission of the utmost importance.”
Blaze and Winds stiffened. Blaze asked, “Sir? What about Blondie’s protection?”
William looked to Sergeant Pastore. “Daniel will be safe under the protection of his TRF team.” Then he glanced at his brothers and nephews. He grinned slightly. “And his family.” Turning back to Blaze, William explained briefly since everyone in the room was aware of Pletcher. “We have intel on Pletcher. We only have a twenty-four-hour window to move men into place to catch him. I trus
t your unit to do the job.”
Neither Winds nor Blaze wanted to leave Blondie, but they were soldiers and duty called. Besides, it was Pletcher. They wanted the son of a bitch for selling Blondie to the inhuman animals who tortured him. It was time for some justice for Blondie. “Where to?”
William looked at both men and asked, “You remember the Cherry Club?”
Winds’ stared at the general. Did they remember? How the hell could they ever forget that place?
Uncharacteristically, Blaze asked with disbelief, “You’re joking, right?”
William shook his head. “Not exactly that place, only the same area. Contact Sutton after you visit with Daniel to get things in motion. I would send Mason’s unit, but …”
“Understood, perfectly.” Blaze did understand—getting Mason out had been a real challenge. “We won’t let you down.”
Everyone was confused by the exchange, but they knew certain things had to remain classified and didn’t ask. While the general was on the phone, the group decided the Broderick family would be the first ones in to see Dan since the general looked ready to drop. But given this change of plans, Blaze, Winds, and Patch would be the first ones to go.
While they waited for the nurse to come tell them Dan was situated and they could visit, Blaze called his unit and told them to pack up and be ready to leave within the hour. Hal assured him they would be out front of the hospital within the next thirty minutes.
Lexa was secretly glad the Brodericks would go second because she wanted to be last to visit Dan. She might finagle staying with him longer. Lexa didn’t want him to be alone though the doctor said no one could stay tonight. She didn’t realize Loki had the exact same thought.
St. Michael’s Hospital – ICU Room B – 2:40 a.m.
Blaze, Winds, and Patch entered the room together. They had too much experience with Blondie being injured but never had they seen him like this.
Fresh tears entered Patch’s eyes as he gently gripped and squeezed Blondie’s left arm. “Blondie, it’s up to you now. I did all I could, little brother. You have so much to live for, you have a place to belong now. Fight for life. It’s okay to say hi to Brody. He can help you, but you can’t, I repeat, you can’t stay with him. You have to come back to us.”
Blaze choked up seeing Blondie. He barely spoke above a whisper, “Kid, those bastards can’t hurt you anymore. We took care of them. I have to go now, but I’ll be back as soon as I can. You have a large family, kid. I’m a bit envious of you right about now. You are my family and you better not leave me like Daphy did. You fight like I know you can.
“Don’t you dare give up. That’s an order by the way, and I expect you to follow my order without question. Do you hear me, son?” Blaze wanted to gather Blondie in a hug but couldn’t with all the tubes and wires attached.
Winds was at a complete loss for words. The emotional storm raging was too potent and dark. So Winds simply held tightly on to Blondie’s hand while the others spoke. He finally whispered, “Justice for Blondie.”
When the nurse said their time was up, the three hugged each other before leaving the room.
As they stepped into the hallway, Patch said, “You get Pletcher and come back. I promise to keep watch over Blondie.”
Blaze said, “I promise we’ll get him.”
St. Michael’s Hospital – ICU Waiting Room – 2:45 a.m.
Winds, Patch, and Blaze returned to the waiting room to say goodbye. Winds studied the members of Alpha Team. “We are officially handing our little brother over to you now. Please take good care of him. We know he can be difficult and takes too many unacceptable risks but try please.”
Alpha Team and the Brodericks all chuckled.
Jon stated, “We officially accept. I’ll do my best to retrain him, so he doesn’t take unacceptable risks. And now that we know what fine means …”
Blaze grinned. “Exactly. If you need anything, if Blondie needs anything, we’re just a call away.”
Winds chuckled. “We’ll not always. But if you call and we can answer we will. Our little brother is special, he’s—”
“He’s Dantastic!” Loki interjected before Winds could finish.
“Yeah, he is,” Winds said as Blaze and Patch nodded in agreement then they all exchanged phone numbers and said goodbye.
Expressions of Love
23
July 20
St. Michael’s Hospital – ICU Room B – 2:45 a.m.
Mark wheeled William into Dan’s room with Ryan following them. William’s face turned ashen when he saw the number of tubes and wires attached to Daniel. Ryan pushed the wheelchair close to the bed and stepped back to give his brother a moment of privacy with his son.
Mark and Ryan looked at Danny, and their hearts dropped. While they waited to see Danny, William shared with the family what happened between him and Danny just before Danny was shot—Danny called William Dad. The timing of this tore their hearts. Dan had not only been nearly killed on the day they lost Sara, but it also happened right after father and son made the first tentative reconnection.
Dan’s and Will’s broken relationship caused both too much pain for far too long, but they all hoped they might mend it now. Danny would pull through like he did several times. Then the emotional wounds which had festered for so many years would begin to heal.
William clasped Dan’s hand and spoke gently, “Danny, it’s Dad. I’m here, son. I’m with you. Fight, fight with everything you have. I know you have endured so much and faced many battles. Please fight this battle, too. I’m proud of the man you are. I love you. Please, come back to me, Danny. I want you to have coffee with an alien again.”
Mark and Ryan gave each other a questioning look. Coffee with an alien? Is William losing it? They let it drop for now.
Ryan stepped forward and laid a gentle hand on Danny’s shoulder. “Kiddo, we always wanted you. You always make us proud. When you wake, we are going to ensure you know how much. Aunt Connie sends her love and can’t wait to see you. Rest for now.”
Mark moved close when Ryan backed away making room for him at Danny’s bedside. He sighed. “Scamp, if it isn’t porcupine quills its bullets. I know what you’re made of—tough stuff. We are behind you every step of the way. You can lean on us for support if need be.”
Nonchalantly Ryan handed William a tissue to wipe his eyes and moved behind the wheelchair. “Time for you to get some rest, brother. Danny is in caring hands tonight.”
William nodded even though he didn’t want to leave. As his brother wheeled him out, Kyle, Zach, and Erik entered the room. Mark, William, and Ryan waited outside Dan’s ICU room with Scott, Jeff, and Adam.
As he entered the room, Kyle’s eyes went wide and filled with tears seeing Dan’s condition. Tears fell as he stared at his cousin. Dan was like Superman in his eyes—it hit so hard seeing him like this.
Erik approached Dan first. The striking resemblance between Dan and Scott made this all the more difficult. It was like a double whammy to Erik because he wasn’t only seeing Danny, he was seeing his oldest son.
His voice caught in his throat, and Erik needed to clear it twice. “Oh, Danny boy.” He reached out and stroked Dan’s hair lightly like Yvonne used to do when Danny was little. “You’re home now. We’re going to protect you now like we should’ve so many years ago. We’ll help you reconnect. I promise you that. We failed you. I’m so very sorry.
“Your mom wants to be here, but it isn’t safe for her. I’m hoping Blaze is successful so she can come to you soon. Your Aunt Ann will come if your mom can’t so be prepared to be coddled. The girls send their love. Vicky, Amelia, and the rest of the girls will spoil you rotten, too. You rest now, you’ll need your strength to deal with all the Broderick women.”
Erik stepped back to allow Zach to go in close and he turned to look at his son—Kyle needed him. Erik pulled his son into a hug to comfort him. Kyle broke down and sobbed in his father’s arms.
Zach peeked at Kyle and b
it his lower lip. Zach wanted to cry also, but his eyes stayed dry as he turned back to Dan. His cousin’s face looked awful with all the contusions and stitches. Zach realized Dan bruised as badly as his twin Aunts Yvonne and Ann.
He recalled the last time he spent time with Dan. It was after Dan graduated Special Forces training. Dan came for a short visit before he deployed. Dan brought his best friend, Brody Hunter with him.
Zach grinned. He just turned sixteen and got his driver’s license the week before Dan arrived. Dan and Brody invited him to go four-wheeling with them. The three took off for several hours, and when they came back, the truck was covered in mud. That had been a marvelous time. It made Zach sad to think Brody was dead.
Quietly, Zach said, “Hey, Cuz. You need to blow this joint, so we can go four-wheeling again. What do ya say? Maybe when you’re feeling better, I can arrange a flight for you in my fighter jet. We have a lot of lost years to make up for. I want to spend time with you. I …” He trailed off unsure what to say.
Kyle pulled himself together but stayed with his father’s arm around him. He hoped none of the cousins would tease him for blubbering like a baby. Especially since he was the youngest of the guys. The youngest of all the cousins actually.
Finding his voice, Kyle said, “Missed ya, Superman. Holy Batman. It is unbelievable … you look more like Scott’s brother than I do. That should tick me off, but it doesn’t. I’ve grown a lot since you last saw me—not a kid anymore. I’m in the Navy now.”
Thoughts of what Dan must have been through flittered into Kyle’s head. “I thought I had it rough with my CO, Foccard.” Tears flowed again—his problems with Foccard paled in comparison to Dan’s troubles. Kyle turned into his father’s shoulder again as the sobs bubbled up again.
Erik guided Kyle out of the room followed by Zach. They were replaced in Dan’s room by Jeff, Scott, and Adam. The three oldest Broderick cousins stood at the foot of the bed staring—absorbing the seriousness of Dan’s injuries.
