FF_992224_426837765 3/23/2013
A/N: Still AU.
Disclaimer: Still don't own Flashpoint or Sam (drat!)
Donna nodded, placing the used washcloth in the sink, and then slid the curtain open enough to allow the four officers to enter. She silently moved outside the cubicle, taking up a position opposite Isaac. They both looked away from the cubicle and did their best to ignore the conversation that began inside.
Inspector Stainton began, "Sergeant Greg Parker, Sergeant Troy Walker, this is Major Robert Braddock of JTF2."
"Are you any relation to Sam?" Troy asked, curiously.
"Yes, I'm Bill's brother, so I'm Sam's uncle," the major said, brusquely. He quickly took over the conversation. "Sam, did you recognize any of your attackers this time?"
Sam huffed out a weary sigh, "No, sir. I didn't get a good look at either of their faces. And although I found their voices very familiar, I couldn't identify them. I'm pretty sure I've heard them before, though."
Major Braddock nodded. "We have identified both of them," he admitted. "It wasn't hard, given where they attacked you."
Sam just looked the question at his uncle.
"Do you remember Carl Stephenson and Martin Black?" the major asked, gently.
Sam looked startled. "They're JTF2? I figured they were hired mercenaries."
"Actually Stephenson and Black are no long with JTF2," Braddock returned. "They were both discharged with BCDs late last year."
Troy looked confused.
"Bad Conduct Discharges," Greg Parker clarified softly. He was remembering the case of two brothers, Trent and Danny, who'd followed a militia leader into trouble. A militia leader who'd received his own "Big Chicken Dinner" as Sam had described it at the time.
"Exactly," the major confirmed. "They were both caught trying to sell looted antiquities from Kandahar and discharged in lieu of prison, since the antiquities were recovered. They aren't talking. And they're not likely to start – not even to make a deal." Rob Braddock sighed, his face taking on tired lines. "We believe, however, that they were paid, or were expecting to be paid." He made eye contact with Sam, giving him a searching look. "Do you have any idea what this is all about?"
Sam nodded silently. "What's the status of SRU security clearance?" he asked quietly.
"They're cleared for anything that pertains to your safety," Rob Braddock said, surprising the three Toronto Police officers, "Inspector Stainton, Commander Holleran, and all members of Teams One and Two, as well as any other officers necessary to keep you secure." He eyed his nephew closely again. "What's your medical status?"
"The doc wants to keep me overnight. They want to keep an eye on me for a while to make sure nothing shifts out of place again, before they let me go," Sam said. He rubbed his aching forehead with his good hand. He was exhausted.
"So, they'll be releasing you tomorrow?" Inspector Stainton asked.
A throat clearing brought everyone's attention to where the doctor had entered the cubicle unobtrusively. "We'll likely release the constable tomorrow around noon," he said softly. "Until then, I'd like to ask you to allow Constable Braddock to rest. He's been through an ordeal and the next twelve hours are extremely important to his recovery." Before Major Braddock could object, the doctor continued. "I understand that you're concerned with the Constable's safety. And I'm doing my best to comply with whatever security measures you feel necessary. But I'm going to be adamant about this period of rest. It is necessary to Constable Braddock's recovery."
Major Braddock nodded, considering. "And after he's released?" he asked.
"I understand a certain amount of consultation will be necessary," the doctor said. "But I expect the constable to wear his sling to keep his shoulder immobilized; and I must insist that short meetings, no longer than two hours at a time with adequate breaks for Constable Braddock to rest, would be best."
Again the major nodded. He looked at the SRU and SIU officers. "How about if we convene all the interested parties at SRU Headquarters tomorrow at 2pm?" he asked. "That should give Sam time to rest and me time to prepare any necessary paperwork." He met the Inspector's eyes. "I'd like a list of the pertinent personnel, so I can make sure they're all cleared by then."
Inspector Stainton nodded and turned to Sam. "I'd better get started, then. I'll see you tomorrow, Constable Braddock," he said formally.
Sam just nodded and watched as he parted the curtains and left.
Major Braddock eyed the two sergeants for a moment, before allowing his rigid military brace to relax just a fraction. He moved next to Sam. "So, how are you really doing, Sammy?" he asked softly, running a hand over Sam's hair gently.
Sam closed his eyes for a moment, accepting the comfort offered. "I'll be ok," he replied. "I'm just really tired, and really sore, right now."
"I'll get Jules," Rob responded, his soft tone conveying his love and concern for his nephew. He smoothed Sam's hair again, turning another gentle caress into a soft pat and then moved towards the exit. "I'll see you tomorrow. Make sure you rest," he ordered, and then slipped from the cubicle.
"So," Troy asked; a small smirk on his face, "how many Braddocks are there in the military?"
Sam snorted. "Too many," he muttered, grimacing up at the sergeants. Greg and Troy laughed.
"Anything we need to know before tomorrow?" Greg asked softly. He could see that Sam was on his last dregs of strength.
"I don't think anything will happen overnight," Sam admitted. "But I can't guarantee that."
"Anyone in particular we should be watching for?" Troy asked, his face showing the seriousness of his question.
"No, the man behind this wouldn't risk himself; at least not yet," Sam grimaced again, this time at the memories that threatened.
"Let it go," Greg ordered. He laid a gentle hand on Sam's good shoulder.
He was followed with Troy's, "Yeah, Sam, let Team Two have your back tonight. You just concentrate on resting until the meeting tomorrow."
The curtains moved and Jules entered the cubicle. Greg moved back as she quickly made her way to Sam's side, taking his left hand in hers and laying her right hand on his cheek. Sam turned his face into her hand and his eyes slipped closed before he even realized it. He was asleep soon after.
"Jules, you stick with Sam," Greg ordered, softly. "Team Two will have the outside, but Sam needs you in here with him so he can rest."
Jules just nodded. She didn't want to wake Sam by speaking. She knew he was a very light sleeper from his time in the military.
"We're meeting with JTF2 tomorrow at 2," Greg continued, after checking that his voice wasn't disturbing his sleeping officer.
Again Jules just nodded silently.
Both sergeants nodded back and quickly left the cubicle.
A/N: So, maybe the next installment will bring some answers...