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

  Brody still couldn’t believe Dan got him so rip-roaring drunk he signed the application. The next morning while he knelt before the porcelain throne offering up his insides, an unfortunate result of excessive drinking, Dan delivered the signed application to Master Warrant Officer Pickett.

  Two days later when Pickett told him he had been accepted to attend the prequalification session, he had been floored. Dan only gave him a lopsided grin and whistled innocently. Three weeks later he was shocked again after Pickett informed him he passed and was scheduled to attend the Special Forces Recruit Selection Testing.

  A week later, at his going away party, Dan got drunk off his ass and confided to him. Dan was going to miss him when he left, and bemoaned the fact he was too young. He yelled out in the bar that age shouldn’t be a factor, and bragged he could out shoot, out run, out climb, and best any man in the prequalification even shit-faced drunk.

  Their buddy, Stafford, listened to Dan’s rant. Stafford bet Dan he could beat him to the top of the climbing rope. Never one to back down from a challenge, Dan accepted a one-hundred-dollar bet. Brody tried to talk Dan out with no success. Danny staggered out of the bar with Stafford. Brody and a group of ten guys from their MP unit followed them to the ropes.

  Dan beat Stafford to the top by ten seconds. He also beat Stafford to the ground. To Brody’s horror, his drunk, idiotic brother passed out halfway down. Danny came to in the infirmary with one hell of a headache and nasty bump on the back of his head. Though also true to form, Dan grinned at him and cockily asked, ‘Did you collect my hundred bucks from Stafford?’

  Brody loved it when Dan showed his confidence. His best friend had reason to be cocky. Dan was good—he’d never seen a better soldier. Brody knew without a doubt he would’ve washed out of basic without Dan’s help.

  After that night, Brody realized the chain of command would give Dan a safe buffer from the general. He began coaxing Dan to ask the general to grant him a special exemption to allow him to apply before he met the age requirement. Dan possessed all the requisite skills. Hell, he was certain Dan possessed more skills than some men in JTF2, and he was mature for his age.

  Brody attributed Dan’s maturity to his upbringing. Dan lived a lonely, hard, and sad childhood. Sent away from his entire family at nine years old after his sister Sara died. Sadly, Dan lost his family’s love because he didn’t save his Sara. That still tore his brother apart inside, though he hid it well.

  To banish his maudlin thoughts and ease Dan’s anxiety, Brody smiled and threw his arm over Dan’s shoulder. “Come on. Help me pack, and we can discuss a training plan for you. Once you graduate, I might have some pull with my CO, and I can get you assigned to my unit.”

  “You’re so confident I’ll make it.” Insecurity reflected in his voice.

  Brody snorted. “Come on! Where’s the conceited, self-assured, boastful kid I know and love? You know you could knock off the competition with your eyes closed, one arm tied behind your back, and shitfaced drunk.”

  Dan laughed. Brody always shored him up. He cocked his head and gave Brody a wry smile. “Still waiting for Stafford to pay up.”

  “Gonna be a long wait.” Brody chuckled.

  Brody would miss Dan a lot, too. From age nine, when he went into foster care after his mother was murdered, until he met Danny in basic, no one accepted him for who he was, without judgment. He and Dan connected from the moment they first talked and recognized they both hid their true selves behind masks. They became the first real friends either ever had. Over the past two years, their friendship grew into a strong bond which would likely rival that of any blood brothers.

  He liked to think kismet brought them together in basic training. Fate also allowed them to be stationed at the same locations and in the same units since then. Perhaps luck would play a role in their lives again and make sure they got into the same unit. Brody silently vowed to do all he could to give kismet a hand.

  Brody sighed. “Glad you have a shot at this. Only wish we were going to this recruit selection testing together.”

  “Back at ya, Brody,” Dan said seriously. The light faded in Brody’s eyes and wanting to bring it back, Dan joked, “If you get any time off down under, ya gotta check out the kickboxing kangaroos. Send me pictures.”

  “Sure, buddy. Anything for you.” They both laughed and sauntered into the barracks to finish packing Brody’s gear.

  Thunderstruck

  2

  Previous Afternoon – June 29

  Ottawa – Special Forces Base – General Broderick’s Office

  Thunderstruck, General Broderick stared out the window. Corporal Merrill told him Daniel requested a meeting with him. Daniel avoided him like the plague, so whatever his son needed to talk to him about must be significant. William immediately instructed Merrill to reschedule his next two meetings and to give him a few moments to wrap up his notes from his previous briefing.

  Finished with his memos, William let his mind return to Daniel’s request for a meeting. What brought my son here today? Hope welled in him. Perhaps Daniel reconsidered going to the military college and moving into the commissioned officer ranks. If Daniel did that now, he would be old enough when he finished to join Special Forces. He wished his son would stop fiddling around, wasting his skills as a military cop, and decide to make a real difference. He stood then buzzed Merrill to instruct him to send in Daniel.

  Dan entered the room rigidly, closed the door, and came to attention.

  “At ease,” William said to his son. He noted as Daniel moved to parade rest his body remained unyielding. Military perfection from the top of his military haircut down to his spit shined boots. Pride swelled his chest. His son would go far if he chose to start using the skills he possessed. One day the family might have another General Broderick if things went well.

  “To what, do I owe this unexpected visit, Daniel?”

  Words escaped him as he faced his stern father. He opened his mouth and an embarrassing, “Um,” came out. He tried again and got out, “Sir, um … I … um …” before he trailed off again. Dan found asking more of a challenge than he imagined. “Sir, if, uh … I mean …”

  Impatient, William barked, “Spit it out.” From his son’s response, the color draining from his face followed by an icy glare, William recognized he said the wrong thing and pissed off his son again. He rubbed his temples.

  After glaring at his father, Dan found his voice by using his anger. With a definite edge to his tone, he said, “Sir, I need a special dispensation only you can grant.”

  That statement got William’s attention. He dropped his hands and studied Daniel closely. His son hadn’t asked him for a single thing since before Sara died. He remained quiet, putting a governor on his emotions. Unfortunately, he lost control of them far too often with his son.

  Boldly moving forward into the silence, Dan said, “Sir, I wish to join Special Forces. I am aware I do not meet the age requirement, but I believe my skills are best utilized as a sniper. It’s what you trained me to become. The favor I request is that you grant me an exemption to join now. I would like a chance to prove I possess the maturity level and skill set to be an asset to JTF2 regardless of my age.”

  It took all of William’s training to maintain his stoic expression when he wanted to grin like a loon and slap his son’s back heartily. His son had come to his senses. No more of this police force and MP nonsense. His dreams for his son were finally coming true. Well not exactly, he wished Daniel would go the officer route like him, but a request to use his sniper skills was a start down the path he wanted for his son.

  Voice neutral, William asked, “Why?”

  Dan didn’t expect that question. He couldn’t tell his father the real reason. If he confessed he didn’t want to be separated from Brody, he would sound like a whiny child. That would kill his chances of the general’s agreement because it would be viewed as weakness. So Dan took the route he expected would be most successful. “Sir, as I said,
I believe that is where my skills would be best utilized and make the most difference. A sniper is what you always wanted me to become. I’m stepping up to do it now. I will not fail you again, sir.”

  The last statement hit William hard. He had a small twinge of regret hearing the hint of disdain which crept into Daniel’s voice. Covering his emotion, William stated more harshly than he intended, “If I grant you this dispensation I fully expect you to exceed all the standards. Otherwise, it will appear as nepotism and sully the Broderick name, my reputation, and undermine my authority. Do I make myself clear?”

  Dan clamped down on his emotions, holding firm to his stoic mask as his father’s words lanced his heart yet again. “Yes, sir. I understand clearly. You expect me to be the perfect soldier.”

  William read in Daniel’s eyes that his words cut deeply and he wished to retract them. Daniel still felt he had failed him somehow when Sara died. God, I’m such a failure as a father. Am I ever going to get it right with Daniel? I need to say something fast to counteract my callous words.

  “I will give your request due consideration. For now, you may sign up for the next prequalification. If you pass, I’ll decide whether or not to authorize an exception.” William blew out a breath. “You should visit your mother.”

  Dan wanted to say, hell, no! His mother’s rejection on top of dealing with the general would be too much. All he wanted to do now was run back to Brody, back to where he belonged and felt accepted. Instead he coldly asked, “Is that an order, sir?”

  William struggled to bite back harsh words before he regretted them. “No, only a request. Need anything else, Daniel?”

  “No, sir. I’ll await your decision.” Dan came back to attention.

  “Dismissed.”

  With a desperate need to be far away from his father as fast as possible, Dan executed a precision pivot and marched with haste out of the general’s office. He ducked into the nearest latrine and went to the sink. He turned on the taps and put his hands under then splashed cool water on his face. Bracing himself on the sink, Dan stared at his reflection. I did it. I asked. Now all I need to do is wait for the general’s decision. Oh, and be the perfect soldier he always wanted. Will I ever measure up in his eyes or will I continue to be a disappointment?

  Deflated, William sank into his chair after Daniel left. The screw ups with his son seemed constant. Why had he been such an ass and said that crap about the family name, his reputation, and undermining his authority?

  Dammit, I messed up every single time. Years and years of one disastrous result after another. No matter what I try, I fail to help Daniel understand he didn’t fail in any way, shape, or form when Sara died. Daniel was just a little boy. It was the damned drunk driver’s fault. And now this! Why did I react that way to Daniel’s request?

  As his fingers pressed to his temple and rubbed small circles, William tried to understand. It came to him slowly. Daniel’s age was the real issue. His son was only twenty, four years younger than the age requirement. Was Daniel ready for the demands of Special Forces? More importantly, could he send Daniel into missions which might cost the life of his only son?

  The answer to the first was yes. Daniel had been prepared from an early age for it. The response for the second one was, maybe. This was what he trained his son for, and it would be a waste not to use his talents. Young though Daniel may be, his son had skills others just didn’t possess. He would be an exceptional candidate for the Guardian Unit.

  General Broderick called out his open door, “Corporal Merrill. Bring me Corporal Daniel Broderick’s personnel file and his latest range and physical evaluation results. I need them on my desk in fifteen minutes.”

  “Yes, sir.” Merrill swiftly proceeded to do as the general instructed as he wondered why the general wanted to check his son’s file.

  William leaned back in his chair and swiveled to stare out the window while Merrill got the files. He still couldn’t believe Daniel had come to him with a request. He sighed, inhaled deep, and blew out a breath with force. He wondered what Daniel’s real reason was. It certainly wasn’t to please him. That had been made clear during their row several years ago when Daniel chose to go to the police academy instead of the military college.

  Something didn’t feel right. The knock at his open door tabled his thoughts, and William swiveled back to his desk. “Enter.”

  Corporal Merrill strode in with files in his hands. “Sir, the files you requested on Corporal Broderick.” He handed them off and left the office.

  William opened the file and reviewed Daniel’s records, impressed by what he read. Physical fitness, intellectual aptitude, emotional stability, and skill sets were all in line with what were required of a Special Forces Operator. Though, he already knew this without looking at the file. The only thing which didn’t align was his son’s age.

  His mind went back to why Daniel asked now. A thought struck him. In a loud voice to carry to the outer office, William said, “Merrill, I need the list of soldiers attending the recruit selection testing in Australia. I also need to know how many slots for the next training group are still open.”

  A few moments later Merrill brought him the list. “Sir, twenty-nine applicants are trying out. There are only three open spots in the next recruit training group.”

  “Who’s running the recruit selection testing this time?” William took the list from Merrill.

  “Lieutenant Moss, sir. He’s at Petawawa to pick up the last seven who will be testing.”

  “Thank you. I may need you to stay late tonight to rush through some paperwork. I’ll let you know in a few minutes.”

  “Yes, sir.” Merrill left once again, this time closing the door behind him.

  The general scanned down the list. That’s why! I knew it wasn’t just Daniel’s idea. Daniel has another reason besides using his skills or pleasing me. Satisfying me is the last thing Daniel would want to do. He smiled as he read the name, Corporal Brody Hunter. Daniel’s friend Brody. William liked the guy because Hunter was good for Daniel. Hunter helped his son to laugh and smile.

  Rapidly making a decision, William called to his aide. “Merrill, you’re staying late. We have a boatload of paperwork to push through tonight. I need it on Captain Irwin’s desk in Petawawa by zero six hundred tomorrow.”

  June 30

  CFB Petawawa – Captain Irwin’s Office

  Lieutenant Moss headed towards Captain Irwin’s office. He wondered at the summons. He didn’t have time for a long chat. He needed to ensure the last seven men were ready to leave. They needed to hit the tarmac in one hour and join with the other twenty-two personnel for the flight.

  Moss liked being in charge of the recruit selection testing. He loved putting the potential recruits through their paces. This time would be unique though. He would be co-leading this with an Aussie counterpart, Lieutenant Roman. General Broderick and his Australian counterpart agreed each country might learn things from the other while doing a joint recruit selection testing. Moss thought it would be fun and enlightening to do in the Australian outback, a different setting than normal.

  After knocking on the door, he entered when Captain Irwin commanded. Moss stopped in front of the desk and came to attention.

  “At ease, Lieutenant Moss.”

  Moss went to parade rest. “Sir, I came as quickly as possible. Sorry for the delay. Prepping the men to leave, sir.”

  As he tapped a folder in front of him, Irwin said, “That’s why I called you in. One more man is going with you.”

  “Sir?”

  Irwin picked up the folder and handed it to Moss. “This came over this morning. My hands are tied. He’s going with you.”

  Taking the folder and opening it, Moss sucked in a breath as he read the name. “Sir? He’s too young. Not even close to the criteria. Why?”

  “Seems as though Daddy Dearest thinks his son is ready even though he is four years too young. Apparently, rules don’t apply when you’re a Broderick,” Irwin s
neered.

  Moss scanned the file and noted Broderick met the prequalification with flying colors, but he was concerned. On paper Broderick looked damned amazing, but he was he mature enough? Why would his father allow him to try out for Special Forces at only twenty years old? Is he in for sure? Is this only a formality and the decision is a foregone conclusion?

  Irwin conceded General Broderick wasn’t a stupid man, although he bent the rules for his son. “There’s a note you will want to read. Basically, his ability to tryout comes with a reasonable stipulation. Broderick must rank in the top five percent to be allowed to move to training. I wouldn’t cut him any slack if I were you, else you might face the wrath of General Badass.”

  An unusual order, Moss thought. “Top five percent overall or in each section we evaluate?”

  “Both. If Broderick misses even one area by a percentage, he’ll not be allowed a recruit spot.” Pissed at the extraordinary treatment given to high ranking officer’s kids, Irwin decided to throw a wrench into the works. He lied, “You’re not allowed to tell Broderick about this provision. The general wants to find out what his son is made of without his knowledge of the condition. Is that clear, Lieutenant?”

  “Yes, sir. Anything else?”

  Irwin’s other little monkey wrench. These orders had been on his desk since early this morning. He had waited until the last second to issue them. “Broderick has not been informed. I had other pressing matters to attend to today and didn’t have a chance to notify him. You can tell him yourself. You’ll find him in the same quarters as Corporal Hunter.”

  He handed Moss two other files. “One contains orders for Broderick, and one is a notification for his CO, Master Warrant Officer Pickett. Pass this on to Pickett before you leave.”

  Stunned Broderick hadn’t been apprised, Moss stared at the captain and noticed a slightly smug look on his face. What kind of crap is he pulling? Makes me sick when officers behave in petty ways.