SERENITY: A Path Home (Beauty 0f Life Book 6) Read online

  Loki said, “Okay, you know our special assignment today?”

  “Yeah, what about it?” Dan said a little defensively.

  “Well, you and Lexa, um looked like a perfect couple. I couldn’t resist. That assignment was just …” Loki started.

  “Just what?” Dan’s eyes narrowed on Loki.

  Loki needed to come clean. “You’re a hard man to haze, been trying a long time. Today was too full of quirks to pass up. I mean you gotta give me that. Right? Come on … Tourterelle, Tortuga, Colom, and you two acting so lovey-dovey. How could my mind not go there? Only a harmless prank. Honest.”

  Grabbing the sheet from Lexa, Dan shoved it in Loki face, “So this is what your twisted mind conjured up as a practical joke?”

  “Yeah, well, not all of it.” Loki’s grin reappeared.

  Noticing the other members of the team coming down the hall, Dan eased off Loki and stood. He schooled his features and offered a hand to Loki. Damn Loki’s mischievous mind. His nickname fits him well. “I’m afraid to ask what else your demented brain came up with. As if pasting Lexa and me onto a pair of turtle doves isn’t bad enough.”

  Loki took Dan’s hand and rose. For a moment, he stared at Dan when he saw him rub his chest. Ah damn, I shouldn’t have run. I hope Dan didn’t hurt himself more by tackling me.

  “What’s up?” Bram asked as he, Ray, and Nick came to a stop and Jon moved forward to the group.

  Lexa thrust one of the papers at Bram. “This! Loki thought it would be fun to prank Dan with this.”

  Bram chuckled and handed it to Nick who smiled and passed the sheet to Ray who said, “Loki, I’m surprised you’re not dead yet.”

  Lexa clenched her fist eyeing Loki with a menacing glare. She might make his arms sore. “It is yet to be determined if he lives. He was about to tell us what other things his warped, geeky mind produced.”

  Wary of Lexa’s fists, Loki slowly edged a few steps in the direction of his sanctuary. If I’m fast enough and lock myself in, I might be able to hide out with Lucille until after shift. “I, um, figured out my second verse.”

  Jon chuckled. This should be entertaining. “Well, don’t keep us waiting.”

  Moving a few more paces away from Lexa and Dan, Loki began to sing, “On the second day of Christmas, Alpha Team gave to me, two lovey dovies, and a frozen sniper in a pear tree.”

  Dan and Lexa both stated emphatically, “He’s dead!”

  Loki bolted down the hall singing his two verses at the top of his lungs as he sped throughout TRF HQ to his tech room. Dan and Lexa hot on his heels the entire way.

  Jon picked up one of the sheets which floated to the floor. He could only laugh. “Loki is a dead man for sure.”

  Bram shook his head and sighed heavily. “It’s a shame we’re going to a funeral this close to Christmas.”

  Ray wiped at fake tears, and he pitched his voice solemnly, which was incongruent with the smile on his face. “He was my best friend. I’m gonna miss him.”

  Nick nodded and placed a hand on Ray’s shoulder, but couldn’t stop his grin either. “Same here. He was like a son to me. Going to be hard to replace him. Though, Justine would like a shot at being on our team.”

  The four guys couldn’t hold back their amusement anymore and the TRF building echoed with sidesplitting laughter.

  Tia gathered up all the papers and wondered if her laughter gave it away. She shook her head. No, Loki’s emotions always showed on his face. The moment Lexa approached he was a doomed man. As she resumed her seat, she studied the photo.

  Dan and Lexa make a beautiful couple, too bad that can never happen since they’re on the same team. Lexa will never give up Alpha Team for any man, even one as handsome and courageous as Dan. Tia’s intuition and knowledge of Lexa told her that her friend had been wounded deeply by a man. Hopefully, someday Lexa will find the man of her dreams and open her heart.

  Chocolate, Kisses, and Butterflies

  8

  December 13

  TRF HQ – Loki’s Tech Room – 7:00 p.m.

  Hiding behind Lucille, Loki peered at Dan and Lexa. “I promise I’ll delete the computer copy and not paste a single one inside TRF.”

  Lexa stared at him. “I find an image anywhere you will regret it.”

  Dan casually leaned against the techie’s workbench, fiddling with a pair of pliers as his eyes held Loki’s. “If you value Lucille, I better not see any photos inside or outside of TRF. Or you might end up with gyros in your bed.”

  “No, you wouldn’t!” Loki moved protectively in front of his bomb robot.

  Dan only raised one brow.

  Lexa hid her laugh with a cough. Dan can be intimidating just by playing with pliers. He would never follow through. It is only his way of getting back at Loki. “I wouldn’t test Dan if I were you, Loki. Remember he’s ex-JTF2.”

  Loki swallowed. “Alright. I swear no pictures anywhere. To show you I mean it, I’ll buy you dinner tonight and give you a ride home too.”

  Her heart sank with Loki’s words. Lexa hadn’t offered to take Dan home yet. Though, perhaps this was better. With the whole team seeing the image they might read something into her driving him home. She couldn’t risk that.

  Dan set the pliers down. “Aren’t you having dinner with your Ma?”

  “No, she plays bridge with a group of ladies once a week. Normally it’s on Mondays, but they moved it to Sunday this week.” Loki reached out his hand to Dan. “So, we good? Truce?”

  Chuckling, Dan shook Loki’s hand, firmly. “I accept your offer for a lift home, but I can take care of my own dinner.”

  Loki turned to Lexa. “You’re invited too. The Cellar has great ribs and a fantastic selection of beers.”

  “Thanks for the offer, but I have other plans tonight. I’ll see you two tomorrow morning.” Lexa turned and ambled out of Loki’s tech room.

  Lexa’ Home – 9:30 p.m.

  Lexa finished washing her dinner dishes and hung the towel to dry. Her plans for tonight amounted to nothing, but she couldn’t go to dinner with Dan and Loki. Better for all of them if they went alone. She believed Dan and Loki both needed more friends. Loki remained somewhat reclusive, and although he and Ray were best buddies, Lexa worried what might happen to Loki if Ray disappeared from his life.

  Not that she expected that would ever happen. Those two remained equally important to each other and forged a tight brotherly bond. But Ray had many other friends and family where Loki didn’t. And though Dan now had his extended family, they didn’t live in Toronto and were often inaccessible. Dan’s only local unit brother was Jim. Aligning their schedules would be difficult since both worked demanding jobs. Plus, Jim and Heather planned to marry soon, so Jim’s free time would be more limited.

  This was the right thing to do. If Dan and Loki dined together, the guys might begin to forge a stronger relationship. Both would benefit. Dan needed Loki’s humor, while Loki could learn from Dan’s confidence. This might also avert unwanted attention from her and Dan. If they became close friends, it wouldn’t seem strange if the three of them socialized. She and Dan would need to be careful, but this would allow them more time together without raising the suspicions of Boss or Jon.

  Lexa opened the jar on her island and grabbed a few of the double chocolate chunk cookies Dan brought her. She ambled into her living room and settled down on her couch. Lexa nibbled on the confection. They tasted delicious and reminded her of her mother’s version.

  That thought came out of the blue. Well, not quite. The butterfly pendant probably had something to do with bringing forth memories brimming with warmth and laughter. Long ago she helped mom make all sorts of things, though she enjoyed baking Christmas cookies the most. Lexa’s love of cooking came from hours spent in the kitchen with mom.

  A tiny part of her envied the fact Dan could spend time with his mother. Though, a greater part was delighted for him. Dan had been estranged from his mother for too many years. Lexa understood the yearning f
or a caring mother’s touch. The love a mom conveyed in a single caress could soothe even the deepest hurt.

  An unwelcome image invaded Lexa’s mind. The face of her father as they stood in the airport the very last time she saw him. I tried so hard to earn his acceptance. He was my dad. He should love me for who I am. I’m not some criminal doing things that might warrant being disowned. No, all I did was follow my dream as mom encouraged me to do—I spread my wings. Why couldn’t he let me fly?

  Intense aching loss seeped in even as Lexa tried to push it away. Father didn’t want me. My brothers turned their backs on me too. They chose him over me. Lexa wiped at her eyes. “I’m not going to cry. I’m done crying. They mean nothing to me because I mean nothing to them.”

  Lexa devoured the three cookies. She stood and went back to the kitchen to get more. “A chocolate coma is on tap for tonight.”

  Five minutes later she was back on the couch with a full bowl of double fudge ice cream drizzled with hot fudge and several cookies crumbled over the top. She spooned in one bite after another, as her eyes remained on the folded piece of paper lying on the mahogany table she restored. “I’m not going to open that. No. I refuse to look at it again. It doesn’t mean anything.”

  Her spoon scraped the bottom of the empty bowl. Lexa’s gaze shifted down. How did I eat this so fast? Her eyes flicked to the clock, astonished to find twenty minutes passed. She had contemplated the paper for the entire time. Lexa blew out an unsteady breath as she set the bowl on the table. Her hand shook a little as she reached out for the object of her conflict.

  Sitting back, Lexa hesitated to unfold the sheet. Today threw her into an emotional tailspin. While at headquarters she pushed everything to the side, but here, in the confines and safety of her home, her emotions swirled. Feelings and ideas, which made her uncomfortable, assaulted her time and again.

  Gathering her courage, Lexa unfolded the illustration of her and Dan as two turtle doves. Unbidden a smile formed on her lips as she wistfully gazed at the image symbolizing soul mates and partners for life. Lexa pressed the dove image to her heart as the memory of Dan kissing her came alive in vivid detail, filling her every sense. She closed her eyes and softly sang, “On the second day of Christmas, Alpha Team gave to me, two lovey-dovies.”

  A single tear slipped out, leaving a salty trail to the corner of her mouth. “I don’t need a man. I can’t allow my heart to be shattered again.”

  The kiss faded and was replaced by a meadow filled with wildflowers. Lexa lay on her stomach next to mom watching dozens of butterflies floating on the gentle afternoon breeze. A glorious blue and purple winged one fluttered until it landed on her outstretched finger. Sadness descended when the butterfly flittered away. Her mother caressed her face and tenderly said, “Beauty exists in all forms, keep an open heart, and you will find beauty, my sweet girl.”

  Lexa sighed as her thoughts shifted again. She would file today in a special place. Though play-acting for the most part, enough was real, that her soul couldn’t deny the connection she had with Dan even as her mind resisted. Lexa was unsure what that meant, especially since she delayed repairing the breaches in her protective barriers. What will happen to me if my walls crumble completely? She drifted off to sleep holding the turtle dove picture and with a visualization of Dan’s heat-glazed eyes after they kissed.

  Dan’s Apartment – 9:40 p.m.

  After entering and scanning his place, as usual, Dan prepped his go bag for tomorrow then dropped into his black swivel chair and stared out of his window at the lights of the city. With today fresh in his mind, and his emotions running the gambit from high to low, sleep wouldn’t come easily tonight.

  Getting shot in the chest again sucked. As he caught his breath in the boutique, all the pain he endured regaining full function of his lungs flashed in his head. At times Dan worried he wouldn’t recover if he suffered another massive injury. All his fears of losing the team reemerged. The stark panic on Loki’s face when he raced into the shop intensified his own for a split second until Dan realized he was alright. He disliked causing the team distress.

  Though, nothing impacted him as hard as the sheer terror in Lexa’s eyes when she tried to prevent him from crashing down in a heap. Her fright wasn’t as visually apparent as Loki’s, but Dan knew Lexa well enough now to see through her mask. He never wanted to witness that manifestation in her eyes ever again.

  The rest of today also played in his mind. Loki was one-of-a-kind and grew on him. Sometimes the guy reminded him so much of Brody. Dan liked the goofiness, the laughter, and the silly pranks. Teasing Loki in his tech room was fun payback for the lovey-dovie photoshop creation.

  Dan grinned as he recalled Loki thought he was safe in his hidey-hole, but the techie forgot one thing, they all were proficient at picking locks. Watching his surprise as he scurried behind the bomb robot for cover was priceless. As Lexa threatened to make Loki’s arms black and blue, Dan calmed down enough to realize the team would only see the picture as one of Loki’s crazy pranks. He and Lexa need not worry about the guys discovering their secret.

  Though, sneaking into Loki’s home and delivering a few miscellaneous gears and an old gyro or two, just to prolong the payback, might be fun. Perhaps something to keep in mind for another day.

  His mind rolled back to the reason he accepted Loki’s bargain. He could’ve and would’ve ridden home. But when Loki offered, Dan realized agreeing would be the sensible thing to do to protect his lungs. After yesterday’s chill and being shot in the vest today, cycling in the cold night air wouldn’t be the most prudent action.

  As they changed to leave, Loki asked Ray to join them for dinner, but he declined because he already had a date. When they stopped at Tia’s desk, they found she had gathered up all the love dove printouts. As he and Loki shredded them, Echo Team came in from a critical call to find them laughing. While Loki was distracted talking to Echo’s techie, Sean Boulet, about the fake bomb their team dealt with on their call, Dan slipped one of the sheets into his pocket.

  During an enjoyable dinner, Loki extended an offer to pick him up tomorrow since he left his cycle at headquarters. Dan missed having a guy friend to hang out with since Brody died. Tired of living a lonely life, getting to know Loki better seemed like a move in the right direction.

  Friendships with Loki and Ray were one thing, but he wanted a meaningful relationship with Lexa. He craved more than the current friends with benefits arrangement. Letting out a long sigh, Dan stood and paced restlessly. His mind landed on the kiss with Sexy Lexie—again. They had a connection whether Lexa was ready to recognize the elephant in the room or not. He felt the zing every time they were close. An impulse overtook him, and Dan called a cab.

  Tourterelle Boutique – 10:05 p.m.

  After paying the driver, Dan stepped out and pulled his jacket close around him though the warmth didn’t stop the shiver running down his spine. That’s because the cold air didn’t cause the shudder, a memory did. Dan stared down the street, the path he and Lexa strolled with their arms around one another, like a real couple. Something they could never do while sneaking around.

  Dan turned to the boutique window. Need for perspective drove him to come here tonight. Dan desired to be where, for once, and maybe the only time, he openly expressed his love for Lexa. Will I ever get to do that again and if so when? As he stared into the shop, Dan noted a light switch off and a gray-haired man making his way to the front of the store.

  Micah was ready to go home after an exhausting day. Miriam was already home with Taliya. His granddaughter had been distressed today. If not for the officers instructing her to comply with any demands if a robbery took place and the undercover constables posing as a couple, things could have been much worse. Taliya confided she had no idea the affectionate pair were police until after the blond male officer was shot and others rushed forward to help.

  As he started to lock the door, he noticed a young man staring at the window. He perceived a forlor
n look on his face. “We are closed, but is there something you need?”

  Dan turned to the older man as something compelled him to speak. “You had a pendant. The sales girl said it was one of a kind. I’m sure it’s gone, taken as evidence, but perhaps you have one similar?”

  Micah blinked. “Evidence?”

  Realizing the vagueness of his words, Dan clarified, “Sorry, I’m Constable Dan Broderick. I was in here today as part of the sting. I saw a butterfly pendant I thought my girlfriend would like.” A bit of a stretch, but Lexa is a girl, and she is my friend, so I’m not lying. “She likes butterflies, and I hoped you might have a comparable one since that one is gone.”

  Recognition lit in Micah’s eyes based on Taliya’s precise description. He held out his hand. “I’m Micah Rabinowitz, the owner. Taliya is my granddaughter. She is incredibly detailed oriented. You are the young officer who came in here undercover. Are you alright?”

  Dan shook the man’s hand. “Yes, sir. I’m good. I wore a Kevlar vest.”

  “Come in. I have a surprise for you.” Micah pushed open the door and waved for Dan to follow him. Micah went to the jewelry case and switched on a lamp to add to the security lighting. He bent down to unlock the cabinet under the display and brought out a small box.

  Standing in the same spot as earlier today, a warm sensation flowed through Dan as he imagined kissing Lexa again. He returned his focus to Micah as he straightened up. A surge of anticipation filled him with excitement. He must have something similar though Taliya alleged it was one of a kind.

  A grin grew on Micah’s face as he said, “We are fortunate the police only took photos of the items which were part of today’s events. Jewelry is the mainstay of our business and would have hurt us terribly if they were locked up in evidence until after the trial.” He set the velvet box on the counter. “I believe this is what you are seeking.”

  Staring at the closed box for several minutes Dan’s heart beat rapidly. The joy in Lexa’s eyes as she gazed at the butterfly nestled on her chest had sent waves of pleasure crashing over him this afternoon. He wanted to recreate her expression and wipe away the trepidation.