by Laura Acton
Jerrell patted his thighs with his palms three times and pushed up to stand. Examining William’s sleeping son, the frown which he wore since learning of this catastrophe reasserted itself. “Will, I’m so sorry this happened. If you or Dan need anything, call me.” Turning to his long-time friend, he said, “Take care of yourself and your boy. I’ll see myself out.”
William nodded and turned back to Daniel. A small sense of relief flowed through him, glad McFergus allowed him to reveal some details to Daniel. His son needed to know he unknowingly helped soldiers who went through some of what he suffered. He also needed Daniel to recognize exactly how strong he is—only four of twenty-seven survived those sick animals.
None of the other soldiers were held captive as long as Daniel. Most only survived a week or two before their battered bodies were dumped near a base. Sickening in and of itself, but at least their loved ones were able to bury their sons. Daniel survived three months of ungodly torture—his son was by every definition an amazing outlier.
General Broderick’s Home – Outside Dan’s Room – 3:45 p.m.
High-pitched, gut-wrenching screams originating from Dan’s bedroom brought every person inside the house running at once. Blaze hobbled as fast as possible using his cane. When he made it to Blondie’s room, he pushed through the gathered people.
The screaming came in ragged gasps as Blondie struggled for breath. Caught in the throes of a nightmare, Blondie’s head whipped back and forth as he fought an unseen enemy.
Blaze boomed, “Everyone out! Out now. Too many in here.”
Being privy to Dan’s torture, Scott deduced something triggered a nightmare. He pushed his cousins out.
Torn, Yvonne stared at her son. She wanted to comfort Danny, but William took her hand, pulled her from the room, closed the door, and started for the stairs, taking her up to their bedroom away from Danny’s raw screams.
Winds and Mason came running in from outside. They heard the screams and knew the voice. Mason plowed a path through all the remaining Brodericks to the door and opened it. Winds followed him in and closed the door. Those who stood outside heard the lock click.
Zach gaped at his brother, and his voice shook. “Those screams sound like someone engulfed in flames.”
Agreeing, Adam put his arm around Zach to lead him away from the room.
Scott pulled Lily close to him. Lily could feel Scott shaking, and she whispered, “It’s too heartbreaking to listen to, take me to our room.”
Kyle stood staring at Becca, both their eyes rounded with shock and disbelief. Jeff slung his arm around Becca and inclined his head as he said to Kyle, “Come with me.” Jeff took his cousins outside to the pond, far enough away that they could no longer hear the screams.
General Broderick’s Home –Dan’s Room – 3:48 p.m.
Blaze glanced at Mason, loathed to ask this of him but had no choice. “Can you restrain him?”
Mason dipped his head and let out a sigh. He did this a few times so Blondie wouldn’t hurt himself or others. Mason moved forward, using his massive arms he encircled Blondie swiftly and trapped Blondie’s arms at his side careful of his chest—worried he might hurt him. Blondie fought him, though his weak effort was completely ineffectual against Mason’s powerful hold.
Blaze came close, knelt near Blondie’s head, and spoke in a commanding tone. “I order you to stand down. You’re not there. Mason is holding you. We have you. You’re safe, kid.”
Dan’s eyes blinked owlishly. As he focused, Mason’s face came into view very close to his. He registered Blaze on one side and Winds on the other. Beads of sweat dripped down his face, and the damp sheets stuck against his bare back. His lungs burned with the need for air as he attempted to suck in breaths, but he couldn’t get things in order.
Winds swiftly put the oxygen mask on Blondie and cranked up the flow.
Immediately Blaze reached out and turned Blondie’s head to him locking eyes and started to count out sniper breathing for the kid as he struggled to regulate his respiration.
Mason released his hold and stripped off the soaked top sheet. He stood and walked to the far corner. Leaning his forehead against the wall, he clenched his fists. Never would he get used to hearing Blondie’s screams, they tore his heart every single time. What brought on the nightmare?
As Blondie’s breathing slowed, Blaze placed his hand on Blondie’s shoulder, stopped counting out breaths, and talked to Blondie like nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. “It’s good to see you awake. Winds and I got here a few hours ago. Thought you would sleep through our entire visit.”
Winds shoved his shaky hands into his pockets—always unnerved by his screams. “Hey, kid. Nice pond out back. Would be great for hockey in winter.”
Dan gave both Blaze and Winds an appreciative look. They never made a big deal out of his nightmares. It helped him quell his embarrassment, shove his tortured thoughts in the box, and pretend the nightmare didn’t occur. Taking their cue Dan ignored the nightmare and raggedly, through the oxygen mask, he said, “We’ll … have … to … play … some … time.”
“Be prepared to have your butt handed to you. I almost went pro.” Winds boasted like this situation was nothing out of the ordinary.
Joining in, Blaze snorted. “Pro? Come on, Winds, the last time you played hockey you were twelve and your team lost twenty to zero.”
Mason schooled his features and turned back to face Blondie. He came close, and the bed dipped as he sat on the edge.
Dan recognized Mason was upset. His nightmares always affected Mason terribly. Attempting to lighten the mood, Dan lifted the mask. “Thanks for … the … hug … Gorgeous … but you’re … still not … my type.”
A grin tugged at the corners of Mason’s lips. “I’m close, I have auburn hair.”
Dan chuckled and promptly gasped for air.
Winds put the mask in place again. “No talking for a bit. Get your breathing under control better.”
Blaze pushed himself up off the ground using his cane.
Winds moved to the other side of the bed and pulled a chair close for Blaze. “Sit.”
Dan gazed at the cane questioningly then shifted his eyes to Blaze and Winds trying to discern his injury too. He saw the fresh scar across Winds’ forehead right below the hairline. His eyes went back to Blaze.
Blaze held up the cane as he sat. “Only temporary while I regain the strength in my thigh. Mission went a bit sideways. Several additional targets showed up unexpectedly and although Russ is a great sniper he’s not as fast as you. Two targets got off shots before Russ tagged them. One hit me in the thigh, and one grazed Winds.”
Dan lifted the mask again. “General said … you got … your targets.”
Brows arched rapidly as Blaze said, “The general told you about the mission?”
“A bit … when the … CDS … was here.”
Winds whistled and rocked back and forth on his heels. “The CDS was here. Man, I didn’t expect that. What’s he like in person?”
His emotions now fully in check, Mason grinned. “You should ask Scott or his wife, Lily.”
Blaze asked, “Why?”
Dan realized they didn’t know of the familial relationship. After pulling off the mask, he said, “Lily is … the CDS’ … daughter.”
Winds whistled again. “Wow!”
“Damn, you have some family connections. Never realized your mother is Lady Yvonne Loving. I still remember sitting with my dad watching taped footage of Sir Alastair Loving races. My father said it was a sad day when Loving retired. He could’ve had a great career if he stuck with it,” Blaze said.
“Why did you … say your mission … was personal?”
Blaze looked down at his left hand then back up at Blondie. “Because it is. It’s incredibly personal actually.” He glanced at Winds then turned his palm to Blondie and pointed out the scar.
Winds turned his left palm to Blondie. Then he said, “Blood oath, we’re not leaving the fi
eld until we hunt down every last animal who hurt you. We’ve been looking for them for years. We didn’t want to leave the hospital while you remained in the coma, but we needed to go after Pletcher. After that went bust we finally, after all these years, got an actionable lead and needed to pursue it.”
Dan was stunned. He stared at Mason. “Did you … know?” The droop of Mason’s head told Dan the answer.
“Yes, but it wasn’t my place to share.” Mason lifted his head and held his little brother’s gaze. “I agree with their oath though. Those bastards all need to pay. With their lives, if I have anything to do with it!”
“I had … no … clue,” Dan said breathlessly.
Blaze tamped his cane on the ground. “Well, that was the point. Something Winds and I need to do. No one hurts you and gets away with it. We made the vow the day you told us what those animals did to you.”
Winds stated, “We’ll find them all, and their blood will soak this earth. We won’t rest until we’ve gotten justice for you, Blondie.”
Blown away and humbled by the intensity of his unit brother’s words he could only stare for a moment. “Get justice for … everyone they … tortured.”
It was Mason’s turn to look confused. “Everyone?”
Blaze nodded and noticed the jamming device in Blondie’s room and noted it was on. Turning to Mason, Blaze said, “Glad you feel that way because I requested your unit be included in the task force.” He explained to Mason about the other soldiers who were tortured and a few other details which Blondie was already privy to.
Several minutes later there was a knock on the door. Mason stood and went to answer it. Blaze and Winds assisted Blondie up into a seated position and flipped a few pillows over so the damp side was away from him.
“You need a shower, kid,” Blaze said handing Blondie a small towel to wipe the sweat from his face.
“Yeah, … would be … nice.” Dan wiped his brow feeling grimy and sticky. Getting a shower would require help at this point. He hated being so weak and relying on everyone.
Blocked from viewing Dan by Mason’s body, Scott asked, “How is he?”
“Blondie, your twin wants to know how you’re doing,” Mason grinned and opened the door wide.
Scott entered and saw Dan sitting up in the bed.
“Okay. Can you … let everyone … know I’m … sorry … for scaring them?”
Coming to the foot of the bed, Scott grinned. “You can tell them yourself at dinner. No more meals in bed. Aunt Yvonne says you are to eat at the table like everyone else. Oh, and she said it’s time you started earning your keep. Well, actually those are my words. She said, everyone pitches in during a Broderick invasion. That includes you. No one is exempt. At dinner, we’ll discuss what chore you will take on—just like the rest of us.”
Dan gaped at Scott. He could barely shower by himself, and they wanted him to do chores. Damn. But the feeling of worthlessness started to hobble instead of march around in his head.
Turning his attention to Blaze and Winds, Scott added, “Aunt Yvonne told me to inform you that you two are staying for dinner. Places are already set. She also tasked you three with getting Dan showered, shaved, and to the dinner table by six.”
Blaze and Winds gawked at Scott with lax jaws.
Mason chuckled. “I think no one crosses Mrs. General.”
Scott got a thrill out of their astonished expressions. “Not if you like living. Broderick females have the real power in this family. See you all at six. Oh, and Mason, that includes you.”
“Me?” Mason asked.
“Yep, you better not be late,” Scott turned and left the room, closing the door on his way out. Yep, we must change up some things. It’s time to quit coddling Dan and help him realize he isn’t worthless. He smiled, Aunt Yvonne … Mrs. General … that fits her perfectly.
Siblings Yet Strangers
56
August 22
General Broderick’s Home – Kitchen – 6:35 p.m.
Dan sat at the kitchen table finishing seconds of the delicious dinner his mother and Lily made. His mom is an excellent cook and took great pleasure in making his and everyone’s favorite dishes. Mom fussed over how much weight he lost while in the hospital. She pushed food at him at every opportunity. He had never eaten so much.
Though, with all the physical exertion he needed tons of calories and was hungry all the time. Over the past few days, his cousins remained downright ruthless. They made him trek up and down the stairs so often he lost track of the total number of trips. Today he finally walked up them slowly while holding the handrail without stopping or gasping for air.
It was the first hurdle his cousins helped him overcome. Though more obstacles awaited him. He faltered on the steps many times, but his cousins always picked him up and put him back on course. He learned each one of his cousins had a specialty and they focused on different areas of his rehab. The way they all supported each other revealed a side of the Broderick clan he forgot existed.
Becca smiled as she sidled up next to Dan and sat down. Everything overwhelmed her. Things are so different now. Her big brother came home for the first time she could remember. Things were awkward between them, neither quite knew what to say to the other, she wanted to get to know him.
Siblings yet strangers, Becca thought. They grew up separately and so different. She bit her upper lip as she labored to come up with a topic of conversation. He was only now finishing his dinner. Dan was the last to finish each meal. He needed to take breaks between bites to breathe. That broke her heart, she wanted him to be well and strong.
Becca eyes landed on the plate full of brownies and smiled. “How’d you like the brownies I made for lunch today? I followed Jarmal’s recipe exactly.”
Dan turned to his sister and raised a brow. Jarmal would cry if he knew what Becca did to his brownies. He took one bite at lunch and nearly choked on the desert dry and burnt brownie. Apparently, his sister was as challenged in the kitchen as he was—maybe more. He didn’t want to hurt Becca’s feelings, so Dan chose a partial truth. “Too full to eat more than one bite.”
Becca’s eyes widened with excitement which didn’t match Dan’s words. She wrapped her arms around her brother and hugged him tightly as she enthusiastically said, “A full sentence! You spoke a whole sentence without stopping for breath!”
Her yell quickly brought the Brodericks and security detail from all areas of the house. Becca smiled brightly and explained her reason for shouting as she let go of Dan and stepped back. She picked up the plate of brownies and held it out to Dan. “There are more brownies left, seems everyone was too full to eat them at lunchtime.”
The guys all chuckled, but Drake teased, “I’m not sure I like your blackened brownies any more than I like your blackened chicken.”
Becca glared at Drake as everyone in the room burst into laughter.
Dan joined in until he had to stop and concentrate on his breathing.
“My brother likes my brownies. Don’t you, Dan?” Becca turned back to Dan, and her eyes demanded defense of her brownies.
“Mmmm sure …” Dan stumbled out then hastily added, “Too full again to have one now.” He took a breath and realized he spoke another full sentence without stopping. He grinned.
Becca’s eyes glistened as she looked at the smile and an old memory came to mind. Only little fragments but his grin—she remembered his grin. Hesitantly, she asked, “Did we sneak under a table and eat some weird stuff when I was little?”
Dan searched his memory, and an event came into focus. “Yeah, sorry you got sick. … I didn’t know you were allergic to sea snails.”
“I got sick? Don’t remember that part. Just sneaking under the table. Tell me about it?”
Slowly, Dan launched into the story as more memories of Becca came back to him. In some ways, Dan felt he lost not only Sara that day, but Becca also. Though Becca wasn’t gone for good, he could get to know his sister. So far, he liked what he discovered, e
xcept for her cooking skills.
Becca was warm, funny, passionate about her designs, and unreserved. Some might say she had a wild streak, but her wild streak reminded him of Sara. Becca and Sara would’ve set the world on fire together. He wished Becca remembered Sara better—Becca got gypped by fate too.
Yvonne and William clasped hands as they watched their children interact and begin to forge a relationship. This was a dream come true.
As Dan finished his story, Adam tossed a sponge at him. “Time to do your chore. Those dishes aren’t gonna wash themselves.”
Dan caught the sponge and then said to Becca, “KP awaits. We can talk more … later.” He rose and slowly carried his plate to the sink.
With all the mouths to feed everyone pitched in. As part of his recovery, they assigned him KP duty. He washed the dishes because he could sit down and do it when he got tired. At first, Dan wondered why they didn’t use the dishwasher, but he soon realized they would be running it three or four times a day and it was more efficient and faster to have someone wash and someone dry and put away.
He didn’t balk at washing the dishes because having a chore like everyone else gave him a sense of pulling his weight and not being invalid. It helped keep the notion of being worthless at bay. Those thoughts came less frequently lately. He noticed some progress. Like speaking in full sentences and climbing the staircase without stopping.
Kyle pulled over a stool for Dan. “Let me help tonight. I want you to join Zach and me playing video games.”
Dan grinned. He occasionally enjoyed playing video games. Not something he got to do as a kid. Though not very good it was fun spending time with Kyle and Zach. They had been so young when he was sent off to the Yukon base he didn’t know them like he knew Scott, Adam, and Jeff.
“You might like to play with Loki. … He’s into video games,” Dan said as he sat down to wash the plates.
Kyle grinned. “Already do. We exchanged online info. He’s good. Incredible at taking down the giants in Beasts of Nephilim.”
Dan chuckled. “Loki’s a geek with real combat skills. … Should see him take down a subject. Impressive.”
