PURGATORY: Bonds Forged In Hellfire (Beauty 0f Life Book 5) Read online

  Purgatory

  Bonds Forged in Hellfire

  Beauty of Life

  Book Five

  Laura Acton

  Copyright © 2017 by Laura Acton

  All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise except for use of brief quotations in a book review.

  ISBN: 9781521406601 (paperback)

  Purgatory: Bonds Forged in Hellfire is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  By Laura Acton

  Beauty of Life series:

  Forsaken: On the Edge of Oblivion

  Solace: Behind the Shield

  Belonging: Hope, Truth, and Malice

  Outlier: Blood, Brotherhood, and Beauty

  Purgatory: Bonds Forged in Hellfire

  Serenity: A Path Home

  Guardians: Mission to Rescue Innocence

  Acknowledgements

  Kate, Martha, Lisa, Julianne, and Venetia

  thank you for your continued awesome input and support!

  I sincerely appreciate all your help more than I can ever express.

  Contents

  1) Anything for You

  2) Thunderstruck

  3) He Expects Me to Be Perfect

  4) Kismet and Koala

  5) King of the Hill

  6) Five Guns and Kickboxing Kangaroos

  7) Forty Tokens

  8) Bad Blood and Brody’s Last Request

  9) New Evidence and Robbie’s Death

  10) Blowing Off Steam and Rescuing Caspian

  11) We’re Going Down Hard

  12) Saving His Brothers

  13) Patch, How Bad Is It?

  14) Blondie’s Special

  15) Oh God, Please Stop the Pain

  16) Dire Situation

  17) Snorted Beer, Memories, and Dreams

  18) Promotion and Burlap Bag

  19) Hung up and Hung Over

  20) Gone, Denied, and Escape Attempt

  21) Unaware, Small Cell, and Plouffe’s Glee

  22) Swish Crack and First Kiss

  23) Rage, Mail, and Command Decisions

  24) Rum, Sleep Deprived, and Linked Dreams

  25) How Dan and Brody Met

  26) Any Place But Here

  27) Who Can I Trust?

  28) Hold On

  29) Rogue Unit and Guardian Angel

  30) Scared Boy and Blood Bath

  31) They Got Him, He’s Alive … Barely

  32) Kindness and Cruelty

  33) Help Me Die and William Screws Up

  34) Nurse Miseria and Viper Pit

  35) Emotional Wrecks

  36) Nightmares and Lashing Out

  37) Seeking Forgiveness and Plots Hatching

  38) Brothers of the Heart and Soul

  39) Not All Rainbows And Unicorns

  40) William’s Secret Gift

  41) No More Needles

  42) The Pup, Sunshine, and Gorgeous

  43) Happy Birthday Danny

  44) A Bit of Heaven and Lost Memory

  45) Reassurance, Love, and Strength

  46) Despicable Act

  47) Squeeze Soft Between Heartbeats

  48) Change of Plans

  49) Stroll in the Park and Unknown Allies

  50) Unit Justice

  51) Old Friends and Drunken Idiots

  52) Blink Once and Amazing Grace

  53) Yankee’s Discipline and Better Spirits

  54) Bràthair Beag and Golden Girl

  55) Perfect Storm of Misunderstanding

  56) Dan Finally Talks

  57) Give Me the Goddamned Knife!

  58) Blood Oath, Challenge, and Deception

  59) Laughter is Magnificent

  60) Walking Like a Man and Strawberries

  61) After Action Report

  62) The Job and Beauty is Dead

  63) Bad Day for Bad Guys

  64) Blondie’s Insecurities

  65) Honoring the Lost

  66) Blaze’s Demand and Yvonne’s Request

  67) Ungodly Pain and Good Evening

  68) This Will Not Beat Me

  69) Phoenix, Wolff, and Shepherd

  70) Requal, Bamboo, and Brothers Forever

  71) Tender Care, Cookies, and Surprise

  Sneak Peek: Serenity A Path Home

  About the Author

  Purgatory

  Bonds Forged in Hellfire

  Anything for You

  1

  November 19

  CFB Borden – Interview Room – 1:00 p.m.

  Lieutenant Colonel Lambert Bonomi unconsciously twisted his gold wedding band. He enjoyed getting away from the investigation into Daniel Broderick’s service for several weeks and spending time with his bride. This morning when leaving the house to catch a flight to CFB Borden, he kissed his wife goodbye and told her he would be back as soon as possible. He wished it could be like all the previous sessions, which lasted only a few days, but he expected recording the testimony of Broderick would take the longest.

  Major Martha Kenric entered the room and took a seat. She scanned her co-investigator. Bonomi appeared happy and perhaps a little besotted still. “Enjoy your honeymoon?”

  “Yes. You enjoy your vacation in Bali?”

  “Oh, yes! Beautiful beaches to relax on.” The major abruptly switched to the reason they were here. “One thing before Broderick gets here.”

  Bonomi inclined his head waiting.

  “I fielded a request from General Broderick last week that he and Captain Blain be allowed to sit in on the interview.”

  “You said no, of course. We cannot compromise this investigation in any way. Too much is at stake.”

  Kenric blew out a breath which rustled her bangs. “I did. The general became quite insistent even after I explained. He is concerned for his son’s … how shall I say … ability to cope with rehashing all the events and felt his son needed moral support. To address the general’s concern, I agreed we would take frequent breaks or allow breaks whenever Broderick requested. I also agreed to allow the general and captain to wait in the room next door in case … well, in case Broderick needs them at any point.”

  Bonomi considered her decision. “Suitable compromise.”

  “There is more.” Kenric grimaced.

  “What?” Bonomi lifted his brows.

  “General Broderick wants to listen in from the other room. I told him I must defer to you and you would decide before we start.”

  “Absolutely not! Kenric, no father needs to hear the kind of details we are about to record from Blondie.”

  Bonomi checked himself and calmed down. He began to think of former Master Corporal Broderick by his code name after his unit mates used it so often in an impassioned or saddened way. His interview files were thick and painted a horrible picture of what Broderick went through. In a calmer tone, Bonomi said, “Bad enough this will be documented and the details presented in court by the lawyers. I won’t grant his request.”

  The door opened, and they both turned. Dan Broderick entered the room rigidly with his soldier mask firmly adhered. General Broderick and Captain Blain flanked him as all three came to a stop just inside the doorway. Bonomi and Kenric both rose and came to attention.

  “At ease.” William studied the lieutenant colonel. The man had conducted his session month
s ago. He understood why McFergus chose Bonomi. The no-nonsense man sought the truth without regard for rank. He glanced at the major, a counterbalance to Bonomi, although her emotions played more openly on her face. He believed Kenric would follow through on her commitment ensuring Daniel received breaks when necessary.

  Bonomi addressed Dan since he had already met the other two. “I am Lieutenant Colonel Bonomi, and this is Major Kenric. Mr. Broderick, thank you for coming. Please take a seat over there,” he motioned to one of the chairs. “We will get started in a moment.”

  Dan briskly strode to the opposite side of the table and sat at attention, shoulders squared, chest out, eyes level, and his palms flat on his thighs.

  William ached for what his son must go through—reliving it would be difficult for him. “Daniel, remember, take a break whenever you need one.”

  Blaze sucked in a quiet breath and exhaled slowly. “I’ll be right next door.” He met Blondie’s eyes for a fraction of a second, and he read relief. Blondie understood if he needed him, Blaze would be there in an instant. Winds and Mason both wanted to be here today too, but they were with Galloway in Brazil seeking Pletcher. Blaze would’ve been with them, but Blondie needed him here more. He trusted the others to capture Pletcher, they wouldn’t fail.

  Bonomi directed his comments to the general. “Sir, I must decline your request to listen to the interview session.”

  Truthfully William hadn’t wanted to listen. He only asked to so he might discern if Daniel came close to a breaking point. William gave a curt nod, pivoted, and strode from the room. Blaze followed him out.

  Without moving, Dan sighed with relief. He didn’t want his dad here because it would hurt his father when Dan disclosed his thoughts of him back then. Dan understood he needed to provide an accurate account of how Plouffe manipulated him and used his attitude towards his father to carry out the major’s sick vendetta against the general. Dan hurt his parents enough already—he didn’t want to harm them anymore. His body relaxed somewhat knowing he didn’t have to do that now.

  Major Kenric resumed her seat and assessed the rigid form of Daniel Broderick seated across from her. Martha’s heart went out to this young man. He suffered so much. “Mr. Broderick—”

  “Dan, please. Just call me Dan.”

  Lieutenant Colonel Bonomi closed the door after General Broderick and Captain Blain left the room. He and Kenric interviewed everyone associated with Dan Broderick during his time in Special Forces. A dirty job which uncovered an appalling pattern of abuse perpetrated on the former Master Corporal targeted solely because of his relationship to the general. Over the past four months, they had questioned everyone except Dan himself.

  The delay was necessary because Dan Broderick had been recovering from a near-fatal gunshot wound to the chest. The general’s aide, Corporal Cody Merrill, who turned out to be an assassin for hire, fired the shot. The level of betrayal in all this boggled Bonomi’s mind.

  Another Special Forces soldier, Sergeant Blake Murphy, also tried to kill Broderick the same day. Murphy failed and ended up dead after shooting the general in the shoulder when General Broderick pushed his son out of the way.

  This debacle implicated Major Nigel Plouffe and many others in not only criminal, but treasonous activities as well. Never before had Bonomi been involved in something this complex and far-reaching.

  Bonomi pushed a water bottle across the table as he sat down and took over for Kenric. “Dan, for the record, please state your former rank, full name, service number, and your current employment.”

  In an emotionless voice, Dan said, “Master Corporal Daniel William Broderick, bravo one zero dash two three one dash nine three eight. I’m currently employed by the Toronto Police Department as a sniper for the Tactical Response Force assigned to Alpha Team.”

  Kenric took notes and wrote, Interview with former MCpl D. W. Broderick B10-231-938. Current position Toronto Police, TRF, sniper.

  The lieutenant colonel opened a file which contained all the notes from previous encounters for the first topic he wanted Dan to address. “This deposition will cover your history with Special Forces. However, there are some areas we must probe more deeply into. I’d like you to begin with recruit selection testing.”

  “How detailed do you want me to be, sir?” Dan reached for the water bottle and took a sip to combat the dryness which overcame his mouth.

  For several moments, Bonomi unconsciously tapped the folder as he regarded the man who held himself stiffly. “I have the notes for everyone involved so you can tell what you recall, and it will be added to the perspectives and recollections of all concerned to give us a sense of everything which transpired.”

  Dan dipped his head and gathered his memories. Once he had them, he raised his eyes to the lieutenant colonel. “I was outside the barracks at CFB Petawawa when I saw Brody.” He glanced at Kenric and clarified, “Corporal Brody Mikhail Hunter.”

  Kenric gave him a slight nod. She was aware from all the interviews that Brody Hunter had been much loved and his death left a hole in the hearts of those who knew him. Though the hole was more of a deep chasm for Dan Broderick. He was the one who fired the shot which killed his best friend. It was clear from the sessions with Blain, Simons, Srònaich O’Naoimhín, and Shea, that Captain Blain’s unit forged unbreakable bonds with Broderick and Hunter.

  Taking a deep breath, Dan thought about Brody. His brother whispered to him, “I’m here. You can do this, brother. Small steps. When this is over, you can go back to your beauty of life, and put this part of your life behind you.”

  Dan’s mind rolled back in time to the day he was notified that he would be going to recruit selection testing with Brody. He still heard Brody’s loud whoops and hollers when Lieutenant Moss told him he had thirty minutes to gather his gear …

  Flashback – Eight Years and Four Months Ago – June 30

  CFB Petawawa – Outside Barracks

  His smile bright and big, Corporal Broderick jogged toward the man a few yards ahead of him. Dan’s voice infused with happiness, mostly because he would see Brody before he left. He yelled to gain his best friend’s attention, “Hey, Brody. Brody, I did it! I did it, man.”

  Corporal Hunter turned at the eager young voice. The megawatt smile lit up Danny’s blue eyes. That smile never failed to make him grin in return. “You’re back way earlier than I expected. I’m glad I can see you before I need to ship out. How’d it go?”

  For the first time in two days, Dan laughed. “I wanted to be back before you left, so I got up the courage first thing rather than waiting. It went about as well as you would expect. Stilted and awkward, but he agreed to give me a chance.”

  Dan grimaced slightly. “I just have to work my ass off. I need to train like there’s no tomorrow to prepare. He expects me to be better than perfect. Says otherwise I’ll hurt his reputation and undermine his authority.” Dan raked both his hands over his head as he relived the frustrating encounter in his mind.

  Brody snorted, and his jade green eyes darkened with rare anger. “Yeah right. As if anything could touch that man’s prominence. Who in their right mind would ever go against him? You’d have to have a death wish to thwart his mandate. From the things you shared, he’s one mean bastard if crossed.”

  “They don’t call him General Badass for nothing, Brody.” Dan threaded his fingers nervously through his recently shorn golden blond hair. He had it cut before he presented himself to the general. Everything needed to be military precision down to the last detail when he made his request to his father.

  The general was rock-hard and demand perfection. Dan experienced first-hand how hard. He never did measure up to the general’s standards, no matter what he did. This was evident from the hours he spent at the gun range, the brutal beatings, and humiliating dress downs he endured without ever crying. Until he ran away and ended up with Bella when he was sixteen, Dan lived a barren and rigid military life.

  Dan shuddered and pushed thoughts of his
childhood away. It scared him to attempt Special Forces. If he got in, he would be under the general’s thumb again, but to be with Brody, he would take a gamble. Brody was his brother in every sense except blood and the only one who understood him. Their bond was so tight he would risk anything for Brody—even if it meant being under the general’s command.

  Brody clapped Dan on the back. “Proud of you for asking. I know how much you’re risking and how hard that must have been for you to ask. Surprised as hell, that he said yes, though.”

  “Not really yes, yet. I must prove in the prequalification I’m up to his expectations of the perfect soldier. Only then will he give me dispensation. I’ve got three months to train before the next session is held.” The trepidation he felt reflected only in his eyes.

  Dan worried that if he couldn’t do what the general asked of him, he and Brody would be split up. The years with Brody had been the best in his life so far. He had a friend and brother and didn’t want to be left alone again when Brody left the MPs.

  The anxiety in his brother’s eyes rang clear and Brody understood the cause. From all Dan shared, the general expected more from Dan than he did any soldier under his command. Brody hated to leave Dan, but being in JTF2 was something he dreamed of doing since he was a kid. Over the years, he and Dan talked a lot about their aspirations, and he felt selfish now because of the chance Dan would be taking.

  Though in truth, he wasn’t fully to blame. The only reason he had been selected was that on his twenty-fourth birthday, Dan presented him with a filled-out application. It only needed his signature and to be given to his superior. He refused to sign it for months, and Dan bugged him constantly.

  He couldn’t commit to leaving Dan behind since Danny was too young to apply. Brody figured he would wait until Dan met the age requirement and maybe by then the general would be retired. Dan changed all that and decided for him. Still a wee bit pissed at what his brother did, Brody understood Dan wanted him to do what he desired and pushed him to go for it.