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

  “Lasagna for me.” Lexa recalled how much Dan ate of the one she made when he dined with her, Amy, and Hailey. He polished off half the pan. Dan still needed to regain some weight, so a hearty dish would be a wise choice. She realized from now on she must be low-key and discrete to help him.

  He couldn’t stay mad at Lexa long. Dan grinned as he glanced at Sexy Lexie remembering her lasagna and their passionate escapade in the bathroom which he also visualized this morning in his shower. “I like spicy, but I’m happy with Italian too.” He peered at Nick. “Can we order dessert? I love their honey-sweetened mascarpone with strawberries and pistachios.”

  “Dan, I think you love all desserts.” Jon chuckled.

  Dan’s lopsided grin appeared. “Yeah, well. I like most food.”

  Nick clapped his hands together. “Lasagna, breadsticks, salad, and mascarpone it is then.” He popped the last bit of the cookie in his mouth. “See you all later. Behave, and Dan, take it easy today.”

  “Boss, I got a clean bill of health from the doctor,” Dan groused.

  “That may be so, but I’m still your sergeant. So no exerting yourself or I’ll bench you before Jon does. Capisce?” Nick stated and gave Dan an intense look bordering on making it an order.

  Dan sighed in frustration and nodded. No getting away from the mother hens.

  As Nick left, Jon called after him, “Lay off those cookies and no mascarpone for you or I’ll need to schedule an individual workout session.” Then he turned to Dan and joked, “I’m gonna blame you if the boss gains weight this time.”

  The only thing left for Dan to do was chuckle or growl, so he laughed, happy that he belonged. Though, he hoped everyone backed off soon.

  TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 6:45 a.m.

  Gambrill flipped over the next file as he concluded the review. “The last item is RCMP reports the Barton brothers are active again. In the past two weeks, they struck in Montreal and Edmonton. No distinct Modus Operandi, except they have no qualms about killing. RCMP hasn’t discerned a pattern to their attacks, so this is a wait and react situation. Sadly, their latest robbery in Edmonton resulted in ten deaths including a four-year-old boy.”

  Nick lowered his cookie, losing his appetite. A flash of Martin’s face crossed his mind. Four was too young to die and in such a horrible manner. His heart went out to the family of the boy. “If only we had apprehended them none of this would’ve happened.”

  Walter glanced at Nick understanding how this would impact him and sorry he had to include it in the briefing, but they must be aware. “If no one has any other issue, we are adjourned.”

  The sergeants stood and began to file out of the room as Nick stayed seated. He rubbed his face briskly and then rose. He needed to shake off the melancholy that just descended but was not sure how.

  Loki bopped into the room all smiles. “Hey, Boss?”

  Turning to Loki, he tried to put on a happy face. “Yeah?”

  “Ma is making a huge Christmas dinner, I asked Lexa, and she is coming. Would you like to join us if you don’t already have plans?”

  “I’m not sure yet. Can I get back to you on that?”

  “Yeah, no problem. You going to Jon’s or Bram’s?”

  Nick shook his head and his mood lifted. “No, I might be spending the day with Christiana and her son. We are talking about it. I’ll let you know soon.”

  Loki’s face split into a wide grin. “Whenever. There will always be more than enough if you say no and your plans change. You know how much Ma cooks. I swear she thinks she is feeding an army.”

  Ambling to his spot, Loki thought about the boss spending Christmas with his woman friend. It made him happy to see Sarge moving forward with his life. Although, he didn’t know until today that Christiana had a son. Boss never said anything about that before. Interesting.

  The rest of the team began to congregate for start of shift briefing, and Nick moved to his regular place. He glanced around at his family and smiled. This year is so different.

  Ruffled Feathers

  10

  December 14

  TRF HQ – Gym – 8:30 a.m.

  Dan pinned Jon for the tenth time. He released him and rose, feeling frustrated, not victorious. Raking his hands through his hair, Dan glared at his tactical lead. This is getting ridiculous! Why is Jon putting up so little resistance? Dammit, I’m not weak! I need a sparring partner, not a damned nursemaid. He ground out between clenched teeth, “Come at me. I’m not made of glass!”

  Jon got up and raised his brows at Dan’s aggravation. “Dano, I think you need to go easy today.”

  Throwing his hands up, Dan turned in a circle and blew out a harsh breath. “I know what I’m capable of doing! Quit treating me like I’m gonna break.”

  Bram had seen Dan’s irritation grow as both Ray and Jon went easy on him. To avoid a full-blown confrontation, he said, “Loki, you’re up. Knife attack.”

  Loki grabbed a rubber knife and joined Dan on the mat as Jon walked off and stood with his arms crossed.

  Jon kept an eye on Dan, searching for any indication he was in pain or favored any part of his body. He had too much experience with Dan hiding things not to watch him like a hawk. The damned stoic soldier came out strongly when Dan was injured, making it near impossible to read the rookie.

  After the briefing, they all donned full tactical gear for realistic hand-to-hand training. Jon ensured Bram slotted Dan last in the rotation. He wanted everyone a bit tuckered out before Dan’s turn to defend. That way they would go easier by nature of being tired.

  Though, Jon couldn’t bring himself to go at Dan like they usually did. He handled Dan with kid gloves. Having him back on the team was important, especially after all Dan went through to return. He didn’t want a sparring session to be the cause of him having to take time off because he knew how much the team meant to Dan.

  Aware of Dan’s fear of not being able to do the job he loved, Jon made it his mission to ensure that never came to pass. If going easier on Broderick in training sessions prevented further injuries, Jon could deal with his grouchy attitude. Better to have Dan frustrated and healthy than hurt and sidelined for an extended period.

  Wearing a broad grin, Loki rounded Dan and taunted, “Copper, you’re going down. You ain’t taking me in today.”

  Dan chuckled. Leave it to Loki to say something to lift him out of his foul mood. He answered back, “Really now. You think you can take me?”

  Bram said, “Lexa, second subject, knife too.”

  Lexa picked up a practice knife and joined Loki as she said conspiratorially, “We got him. The copper’s gettin’ sliced today.”

  Amused, Dan said, “Man, you guys sound like a bad 1930s movie.”

  Loki sought an opening or weakness, hard to find with Dan. “Me and my Jezebel are gonna cut you copper then go to the soda fountain and drink a fizzy. The heat should’ve never come after us.”

  “Why are they talking like 1930s thugs?” Bram asked.

  Ray chuckled. “Those are lines from the film Loki chose for us on the last movie night. It was very cheesy. I fell asleep after twenty-five minutes.”

  “Loki sure has a weird taste in movies.”

  Jon raised a brow. “And you don’t, Bram? I think I’d take a 1930s mobster flick over all the princess ones you watch.”

  “Yeah, same here.” Ray turned his attention back to Lexa, Loki, and Dan. The three of them went at it like it was real—thrusts, parries, and blocks. He worried his friends were going too hard on Dan.

  A little closer together, only one more step. Patiently, Dan waited for a strategic advantage. He was about to make his move when he heard Delta Team come in singing, “Two lovey-dovies and a frozen sniper in a pear tree.”

  Executing a maneuver which exploited Dan’s momentary distraction, Lexa and Loki took him down. They triumphantly stabbed him in the vest with the rubber knives as they chortled, “Got you copper!” and, “Jezebel wins!”

  Dan peered u
p at the two as they went to town like a couple of kittens on catnip, repeatedly thrusting the knives playfully at him, while all their bragging was in 1930s slang.

  Lexa quit and sat back on her heels with a grin as the golden flecks in her eyes reflected amusement. It was fun to best Dan in sparring—a hard thing to do because he always threw the unexpected at them. She stood and put her hands on her hips. “Seems like you need a little more focus. Just sayin’.”

  Dan lifted his back up off the mat and rested on his forearms with a smirk on his face. “Yeah, I shouldn’t have let Loki’s song distract me. Is everyone going to sing the damned thing?”

  Loki stood, his face alight with delight. Not often he took Dan down. “Why not? It’s a fun song. Gotta come up with a new verse today.” He danced over to Lexa and they high fived.

  Twisting to rise, Dan felt a sharp but fleeting twinge in his chest. He was facing away from Loki and Lexa, so they didn’t catch the grimace which flashed momentarily on his face.

  Ray did witness it. He moved forward rapidly intent on helping Dan up as he scolded, “Did you guys have to take him down so hard? Dan, where are you hurt? Your chest?”

  Surprised by Ray’s words, Lexa turned back around. “Dan?”

  “I’m good. No harm,” Dan said as he almost glared at Ray for hovering.

  Ray pursed his lips as Dan rose to his feet without assistance after brushing away his outstretched hand. “So why did your face contort in pain?”

  Upset that Ray ratted him out, Dan allowed a bit of heat into his voice as he reiterated, “I’m good.” Seeing the concerned faces of his team, he pushed his ire down. “Truthfully. I’m alright. This is nothing compared to sparring with Ripsaw or Mason. Now, let’s go again.” Dan took a ready stance.

  Worry lines crinkled between Loki’s brows as he asked, “You sure?”

  To quell his rising exasperation, Dan tilted his head to the ceiling and counted to ten. Then he captured Loki’s eyes and tried to reduce the techie’s anxiety using humor. “The heat is gonna nab you and Jezebel. You ain’t winning again. This copper is ready for another round.”

  Jon shook his head. “Nope. You’re done for today, Dan.”

  This time Dan reached twenty as he held Jon’s gaze and his annoyance still didn’t subside. His tactical lead’s body language and hard-set jaw told him there would be no changing Jon’s mind. With difficulty, Dan kept a civil tongue. “I’m going to get a drink.” Then he stomped out of the gym.

  Lexa scrutinized him as he left. She could tell Dan struggled to remain in control. She eyed Jon and Ray before she said, “Guys you need to back off. You’re pushing his buttons. He was thoroughly examined, and the doctor cleared him. I made sure of that yesterday.”

  Bram agreed. “Not a smart thing to push Dan. We can keep an eye out but quit icing his wings, or he’s going to crash and burn.”

  Jon rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s my job to keep you all safe.”

  As he shook his head, Bram said, “No, it’s all our jobs to ensure we all remain safe. You’re aggravating Dan by being too easy. He doesn’t react well to that kind of behavior. You know it! He will close off if you continue.”

  Still not convinced, Ray said, “I agree with Jon. Dan should take it easy today. I wish you two didn’t throw him down so hard.”

  “Stop! Dan is fine … I mean good. He’s wired differently than us, too many mother-hens pecking will drive him to FINE,” Bram stated.

  Jon pivoted and strode out of the gym. He disagreed with his friend but now was not the time to argue. He set out to find one ticked off sniper and ensure his head was in the game should they be needed for a critical call before this afternoon.

  Loki turned to Ray. “I didn’t mean to hurt him. Think he is mad at me?”

  Recalling Loki’s panic yesterday after Dan was hit, Ray realized his words were out of line, and he inadvertently amped up his best friend’s distress. Ray shook his head.

  To help ease Loki’s tension, Lexa lightly punched his bicep. Attempting an Italian mobster voice, she said, “Nah, the copper ain’t upset with you. Come on. Let’s take down this other copper now.” She did a tuck and roll and came up with both knives, tossing one to Loki as she moved on Ray.

  Ray took a defensive stance as his teammates stalked him and began talking like 1930s gangsters again. He laughed so hard they had him down in minutes.

  TRF HQ – Roof – 9:10 a.m.

  The sky was overcast, and the brisk breeze turned Dan’s cheeks rosy, but he kept his face to the wind. For the past ten minutes, he tried to calm down and rationalize the team’s actions. He decided they didn’t know him well enough to understand he could do his job in his current condition. Yeah, he was stiff and sore, but he had been through worse and operated just fine.

  Fine being the operative word Dan realized. The concern shown by the team both irked and pleased him at the same time. Old insecurities of being seen as weak and incapable tended to rear their heads when he got injured, even in a minor way and caused him to become angry. It was tough to ignore his entrenched behaviors and difficult to change.

  Though, he was trying because he valued the team and worked for months to return. He knew they all wanted him here as much as he wanted to be here. Their reactions might be justified because in the last two days he had been frozen and shot at close range. Dan resigned himself to being coddled today.

  Amazing what a difference a year can make. Last year my only plan for Christmas was to visit Brody’s grave. I made it sound like I had friends because I didn’t want them to see how much I was hurting. Can I open up and let them in as I did with my brothers? His breath foggy in the chill, Dan wrapped his arms around his body to ward off the cold. “Damn, should’ve worn my jacket.”

  Nick stood at the door several moments gathering his thoughts before opening it. Convincing Jon to let him check on Dan had been a hard sell. Neither were happy Dan went to the roof without a jacket, but Nick believed he would have a better chance at soothing Dan’s ruffled feathers. At times, his two alpha male snipers were like a lit match and gasoline.

  As he stepped out of the stairwell, Nick overheard Dan’s words. “Yes, you should have. Thought you might want it.”

  Dan turned at Boss’ words. Crap! Here comes more fussing.

  Nick ambled toward Dan. He held out his coat to him. “I understand things got a bit rough in sparring. You want to talk?”

  “Not really,” Dan replied, taking his jacket and slipping it on.

  “Alright.” Nick leaned on the wall near Dan as he stared out at the city. “Quiet up here, but a little windy.”

  “Yeah.” It felt awkward standing here as the uneasy silence stretched out for several minutes. Dan shifted his gaze to Nick. “I like being up high with the wind in my face. Helps me clear my head.”

  “We all need a place to think. When I need to contemplate things, I haunt the briefing room. Feels comfortable and reminds me I have six friends who are skilled listeners should I want a compassionate ear.”

  Dan only nodded.

  “Things are very different this year.” Nick turned to Dan, his tone sincere as he said, “I’m truly sorry for the way we all treated you when you first joined the team. I’m glad you gave us a chance, allowed us an opportunity to correct our ways, and show you our genuine selves.”

  Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Dan studied Nick. He was unsure why the boss was telling him this. Using his mother’s words, Dan said, “Water under the bridge.”

  Nick shook his head. “Not quite. It left a mark on all of us. More on some than others. It appears though the pendulum has swung to the other extreme if you understand my meaning.”

  “Jon.”

  The corners of Nick’s mouth lifted. “Yes, Jon.”

  “I don’t understand him. He’s impossible to read,” Dan blurted out.

  Nick chuckled. “Much like someone else I know. You two are more alike than you might think. He cares. Just remember that.”


  “I’m trying.” Dan returned his gaze to the city.

  Nick patted Dan’s back. “I can see you are.”

  Unsure how to respond, Dan remained silent.

  Rubbing his hands together, Nick said, “Freezing out here. You should consider coming in soon.” He started for the door, stopped, and glanced back at Dan who continued to peer outward.

  Their stoic soldier had many ingrained behaviors and insecurities which prevented him from accepting help or acknowledging he was only human. Nick recognized Dan was making progress learning to trust and open up to them, though Lexa and Bram were right. They needed to back off, or Dan would shut down on them again.

  When the door closed, Dan let out a sigh and released his irritation. So Jon and I are both screwed up. Doesn’t make it any easier to deal with him.

  Inhaling deeply, Dan held it for a four-count then exhaled slowly. I should go back inside and do my inventory chore. At least it isn’t counting ammo. A lopsided grin played on his face as he entered the stairs, ready to face his team again and hopefully rein in his capricious ill humor.

  TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 12:30 p.m.

  Lexa couldn’t hide her grin. Lunch from Little Olive was the right choice. Dan ate three giant servings of lasagna, a substantial portion of salad, and she lost count of his breadsticks. When both Bram and Dan reached for the last one, she thought a small war would ensue, but they ended up sharing it.

  Though, the most amusing thing was watching Dan and Loki engage in a breadstick sword fight. Loki won when Dan’s broke in half. His swift reflexes caught it before it landed on the floor. Seeing the guys smile made her tremendously happy.

  She shifted her gaze to Boss and Jon. With a twinkle in his warm hazel eyes, Boss defiantly spooned a heaping portion of mascarpone into his mouth. Jon ragged on him about setting up a much-needed workout session for him. Lexa took a tiny bite of her dessert, after picking off the pistachios, which she didn’t like.

  Dan glanced at Lexa’s plate. “Aren’t you going to eat the nuts?”

  “No. Not fond of them. You want them?”