Yawns, Coffee with an Alien & Strange SIU Interview
Royal York Hotel – Main Suite - 2 am
Always pragmatic Wordy said "If it something urgent that he needs to deal with at this moment I would wake him. But if it's just more bad news, like this whole affair, then I suggest you let him sleep and we can deal with it later. I also suggest that you get some sleep too. We need to be sharp at the funeral later."
Spike considered what Wordy said and although it was bad, really bad there was nothing the General could really do about it because it was in the past. Waiting a to tell him would not have an impact so he said "Okay. It can wait. Would rather only have to say it once anyways and Sam needs to hear it too. I don't want to wake him. He really needs the rest; he looked like a Zombie tonight. I guess I need some rest too. What about you?"
Wordy laughed at the description of Sam. "Yeah, thought he resembled the walking dead myself. Just so glad to see him up and somewhat functional after all this. I doubt I could do that. I was almost asleep when you called out, so yeah I'm gonna get some sleep too" Wordy replied and laid back down on the couch as he yawned deeply. "Night."
"Night. Just need to save this then joining you" Spike said catching the yawn.
Royal York Hotel – Room on 3rd Floor - 5 am
Awoken by a sound he realized his phone was ringing. He looked at the number and did not recognize it but answered anyway wondering who the hell is calling him at this hour.
"Hello" said in a groggy voice as a yawn escaped. [caller speaks]
"Ah so you arrived. Good, good. The funeral starts at three pm. I expect you to be in place well before that". [caller speaks]
"Great. I'm glad you were able to acquire those. Hard to get but I expect they will be needed and they will do the job regardless of how protected he may be." [caller speaks a long time]
He laugh. "I don't really care your choice, but a head shot would ensure the toy soldier is gone for good. I've transferred half already." [caller speaks]
"No it's not traceable I followed your instructions to the letter so no one can find it." [caller speaks] "As agreed, yes if you are needed the other half will be transferred automatically." [caller speaks]
Yawning deeply, he replied "Yes I understand the consequences if I fail to pay and understand no further contact will occur between us after this. We will be done."
He closed the phone and laughed again at the various kill zone shots he had described in great detail. That guy loves his side work too much. Strange little man, always so efficient so unassuming no one would ever guess what he did in his spare time.
Although his job did allow him to travel the world, great cover for his activities. Hell he had only found out by accident when he overheard a snippet of conversation one day in Kandahar and put the pieces together. He had used that information to blackmail him for years into covering things up. He smiled and yawned once again as he drifted back to sleep.
Royal York Hotel – Main Suite - Early Morning
Sam opened the door to find main suite essentially empty. Wordy and Spike were asleep on the couches and the General and Heather were seated at the table with steaming cups of coffee reading a newspaper. He gingerly walked toward the table his muscles tight and aching, coffee smelled good. He had slept, fitfully, but luckily no full blown nightmares.
Heather saw him first and with a happy smile she said "He walks." Noticing how slow and painfully she added "Barely. Can I get you anything? Coffee?" Sam nodded yes as he sat down at the table stiffly; thinking damn everything hurts. Heather rose to get the coffee "Cream, sugar?" she asked.
"No just black please" Sam answered tautly.
Heather returned with the coffee and set it in front of him "What's the pain level? Need any meds?"
Sam hesitated. It hurt so much still. Basto's fists should be considered lethal weapons, but he never admitted pain in front of the General, never. Sighing, he wondered if he could change. He struggled with himself then finally forced himself to answer honestly "About a six, maybe seven, meds would take the edge off."
His mind on the fact he had just admitted pain in front of the General he absently picked up the coffee with is left hand. He had just lifted it a few inches when his left wrist screamed at him and he dropped the cup. The contents spilled into his lap.
Sam's reaction was swift but not fast enough as hot liquid hit his thighs. "Shit, fuck, god dammit, fuck, holy hell, dammit, crap, fuck" came spewing loudly from his mouth as the pain from moving so fast and the hot liquid registered. He ended up on his butt on the floor.
Wordy and Spike were jarred out of their sleep at Sam's yells and were trying to discern what was happening. Heather rushed to get a towel from the bathroom. The General couldn't help himself, he had seen the whole thing and the look on Samuel's face was too comical as he was cussing.
General Braddock sat there relaxed and lightly laughing "Good command of curse words Samuel."
Sam couldn't believe the reaction of the General and he sat stunned just staring up at the man. That is not the reaction of the man he knew. Maybe Spike's aliens had actually abducted him and put replica in his place. Where the hell was the instant and hard rebuke for using foul language?
Spike had started to rise to help Sam when Wordy placed a restraining arm on him and shook his head no. Spike glared at him with a 'what the hell Sam needs me' look trying to shake him off and rise. Wordy held tight and put his index finger to his mouth and whispered "shhh" with a look that said 'wait'. Spike looked back at Sam on the floor, saw the look of confusion on his face as he stared at the General so he sat back down and waited.
The General slowly folded the newspaper and put it down on the table. A smile on his face he rose and walked to where Samuel was still seated on the floor. He squatted down and then lightly said "Want some help up son?"
Sam still stared unbelieving. The General realized that with the injuries to the right arm and left wrist help would have to be lifting from behind under the arms. So he rose and shifted position and helped Sam stand slowly taking most of the weight.
He pulled out another chair and helped him sit. He took the towel from Heather who had returned and was now frozen in place watching the strangely awkward interaction. He placed the towel in Sam's lap then took the coffee cup, refilled it and placed it in front of Samuel. As he sat down again he said "Good morning" as if nothing was out of the ordinary.
Sam's eyes never left the General and clearly said 'who the hell are you?' but cautiously he said out loud "Good morning Sir."
"I've ordered breakfast to be delivered at 0700 when the others will join us. But if you need anything now I can call down" the General said conversationally.
Spike looked at Wordy who had a small smile on his face. Wordy looked at Spike and whispered "Time" and he laid back down to grab a little more rest. Spike followed suit not wanting to interrupt whatever healing was taking place between father and son. As he lay there he wished that he and his own father had unlimited time to resolve their issues.
Heather had gone to the bedroom and returned with pain meds. "Hope you don't mind needles. No oral meds yet. Patch ordered them but won't be here til later. So…" she lifted the needle with a smile.
Sam cringed and blanched all color leaving his face as every muscle tensed at the sight. He did actually very much mind needles.
The General saw the look and remembered what the doctors had told him about Samuel's condition after he was a POW. He could only guess what had happened but after that needles scared the hell out of him. He saw Samuel watching Heather intently as she swabbed his left bicep with an alcohol wipe and his muscles constricted so hard.
He needed distraction to relax. Using a voice meant to get attention but not harsh he tried to time his words right to distract him just before the shot "Samuel, you need something to wear for the funeral." Success. Samuel was caught off guard by the statement and as he turned his attention to the General his muscles relaxed a bit.
Heather was a very perceptive person. She realized the fear and distraction provided so quickly injected him. She decided to make herself scarce afterwards. Heather grabbed her coffee and went to sit in a chair on the far side of the suite near Wordy and Spike.
"Sir?" he finally questioned after a solid minute. It took him that long trying to process where that left field statement came from.
The General continued like it was a totally normal topic "Did you plan on a suit or your SRU uniform? Whichever it is we need to have someone get it for you." He took a sip of coffee and waited for an answer.
"Sir, I'm not sure. Depends I guess on the security plan" he answered as he lifted his coffee consciously with his right hand this time and taking a sip. "I'll have to check with the Boss and Ed before a decision is made."
Sam was reeling inside. They didn't do conversation. They did orders and arguments. Who was this man really? He now knew things he thought about him were mixed up in a child's mind and he wasn't responsible for all the deployments. But who was he really? Would he like that man? Would that man like him? Could they really build a relationship?
He decided to let time tell, let it go at its own pace, be open to whatever it might be. The General handed him the sports section of the paper and they sat silently enjoying the coffee and reading the newspaper together for the first time in their lives. To Sam it felt odd but strangely nice too.
The General was refilling their coffee when there was a knock at the door. He dropped the coffee off to Samuel then went to open the door. Checking his watch, "0700 right on time" he said.
The smell of breakfast made Sam's stomach roar loudly. "What would you like?" the General asked sweeping his arm across the spread of food. Sam told him and the General loaded up a plate for him and brought it to the table. "Need anything else?" Sam shook his head and dug into the food, finally able to eat.
Team One and the JTF2 guys began wandering in a short time later. Wordy and Spike grabbed a quick bite then went to their rooms to shower. Everyone was back in the room by eight am when there was a knock at the door.
Greg went to answer it, knowing that the SIU agents would be there this morning but not scheduled until eight-thirty. He opened the door to find Dale Gibbson. "Mr. Gibbson, come in you're a bit early" he said.
Sam grinned slightly, the guy always there for him for the interviews. "Gibbson nice to see you. Thanks for being here before SIU gets here. Plenty of food left if you're hungry." He would have gotten up and walked to the man and shook his hand but he needed to conserve his energy.
Gibbson had been looking at Greg until Sam spoke. He turned to say hi and stopped dead. "What the hell happened to you? You okay? Need anything?" he said as he started to move forward, real concern on his face.
"I'm okay" Sam replied.
JTF2 buddies smiled broadly relief flowing thorough every neuron of their bodies 'he said okay not fine'. Ed heard the word okay and noticed their reactions and decided to ask Blaze about it soon. His curiosity peaked now, there was definitely a meaning there.
Spike wanted to tell about what he had found but knew that Sam had to get through the SIU interviews so decided to wait until he was done. That way everyone could concentrate on the next steps. Until then he would check to see if any of his other searches had resulted in anything useful.
Most chatted about ordinary things wanting to keep the environment light until eight-thirty when it would get very heavy for Sam. They wished they could be there to provide support but interviews were always conducted in private. They sincerely hoped Sam would be able to handle it alone. Although it looked like he had at least on man in his corner, Gibbson. Sam seemed happy to see the lawyer.
At eight-fifteen am Commander Holleran and Scott Caldwell the Head of SIU stood just outside the main suite. "Norm this unorthodox but I understand the need. We have a duty to the citizen's but I agree with agent Stevens that we also have a duty to the men and women that put their lives on the line to protect others. After the incident with agent Donner, Constable Braddock's situation merits this special dispensation. But be assured, I will halt the procedure and return to normal protocol if I feel that we are skirting any legal or ethical issues." Holleran nodded as he knocked on the door.
Holleran and Caldwell entered and after cordial greetings and introductions Holleran assumed a very official demeanor. The group tensed as he began to speak not sure what was coming. "Sergeant Parker, I must inform you and your team that given the nature of and full extent of Monday's calls, today's SIU interview will be conducted under special dispensation protocols."
He looked at each member of Team One then back to Greg "As such your entire team is required to present in same room and will be expected to provide input as relevant. One agent will be conducting the interview session which will cover all of Monday's calls. The agents previously assigned to the calls have handed over their materials to agent Stevens."
Noting that Braddock's lawyer was already there Holleran said "Mr. Gibbson please note that the proceeding will not be taped or photographed in any manner and any future questions SIU may have will be directed to you. It will be under your sole discretion to which team member to direct them. The Head of SIU and I will be sitting in but will not interfere in the proceedings unless there legal or ethical concerns."
Looking at Patch and the General he continued "Additionally, given Constable Braddock's current physical state his medic and one family member will be allowed to remain during the interview to ensure his well-being. The medic will have the right to declare breaks or halt the proceedings and request the session be rescheduled at any time if he feels Braddock's health is in jeopardy."
Nodding his head towards Blaze and Winds he said "Given the current threats against Braddock's life, two members of his security detail will also be allowed to remain in the room to guaranty his safety. We will begin once agent Stevens arrives. Any questions?"
Greg looked straight at him mirroring the official demeanor and replied "Understood perfectly Commander. No questions."
Everyone had sighed relieved. How Holleran had managed this they may never know. But he had just ensured Sam would have the support he needed to get through this nightmare and not have to relive it in the future. Holleran nodded to Greg then got a cup of coffee and took up a chair near the door waiting for agent Stevens.
Just before eight-thirty Heather said her goodbyes to everyone. She had to work tonight so needed to head home to sleep. They thanked her for all her help. She gave Sam a gentle hug and told him to heal quickly and if he needed anything to call her.
Patch made arrangements to meet her next week for coffee. As she left a smile played across his face as he thought, she cute, she's a keeper, she might be the one. He turned to see Blaze, Winds and Blondie staring at him with funny looks; each of them thinking, he's got it bad and she's perfect for him.
Agent Stevens arrived promptly at eight-thirty. She set up at the little desk and then proceeded to do a round of introductions noting who all were present for the interview. Kendall informed them she had been briefed on the change in protocol.
Looking directly at Sam with genuine compassion she said "Constable Braddock, if at any time you need a break for any reason you will let me know and we will halt until you are ready to proceed. Do you understand that?"
Sam nodded yes. "Okay are you ready to begin?"Stevens asked. He nodded yes again.
She started the interview. "The first call we will review is the hostage situation at Bang's Fitness. It has been verified by toxicology that Mr. Clive Parch did indeed have high levels of steroids in his system which impaired his reasoning and made him emotionally erratic. Sergeant Parker, you were lead negotiator. Please explain the situation and conditions that lead to the need for lethal force" she said.
Greg recounted the incident. He identified that it was Constable Lane who called Scorpio and that Constable Braddock follow his command. Stevens directed the use-of-force continuum questions to Greg and Ed. She wrapped up the incident without having Sam provide any input, allowing his team mates to provide the details.
Stevens call for a five minute break while she sorted the paperwork and prepared to discuss the next call. Sam stood to walk a bit needing to stretch his tight muscles as they had become more tense listening to the call details. He was walking slowly to a more comfortable chair when his calf muscle seized on him.
With a cry of pain he dropped to the ground and tried to flex his foot. Instantly there were more hands than he could count helping him flex it and rubbing out the calf muscle. He looked up a bit sheepishly feeling embarrassed and said "Thanks."
They just smiled and said nothing. Ed and Spike helped him stand and make it to the chair. Stevens noted how they all reacted and was truly glad to see how this team supported one another.
Sam was settled back in a chair when she began "Call number two was the Central Bank incident. SIU has already conducted and interview with Constable Callaghan regarding the use of lethal force and concluded it was justified. We have also conducted interviews with the other two subjects. They have verified that their intent was suicide by cop."
"I have a note from Corporal John York and Private Marty Green that they wish to express a heartfelt thank you to Constable Braddock for helping them realize the there is still beauty in life and to wish him a speedy recovery from any injuries received when Private Tom Summers fired on him. Based on these findings, no further discussion is needed."
The team was surprised at the process so far. It was so different than what they experienced before. It looked as if agent Stevens was doing everything in her power to avoid having Sam rehash the details. They were grateful.
Kendall checked her notes then said "The third incident at Bennie's Gas Station involved an attempted armed robbery and hostage situation. In this case two armed subjects took two adults and six children hostage. The children were held by a subject who was armed with a semi-automatic pistol. According to the call transcripts he appeared to be high on drugs. Toxicology reports confirm he was indeed high on meth. The adults were held in a different location of the store by the other subject and he was armed with a single action rifle."
Looking at Ed she requested "Constable Lane as Team Leader, please describe the situation and the actions the team took."
Ed related the call details and entry plans including the aftermath within the store. Then Kendall asked "Constable Wordsworth, you were the one to pursue the subject into the alley. Please explain what happened."
Wordy was about to start when Sam interrupted "Ed, you forgot to include the fact that I messed up. I failed to watch the monitor properly and lost visual on Sara Clarry and the subject's change in location just prior to entry."
"Sam, she would have moved whether you saw her or not. It has no bearing on the outcome. You communicated the location of the subject prior to us moving in. You warned us he was going to shoot the little boy. Your action likely saved that boy's life. The subject moved in the split seconds after we began our entry. There is nothing you could have done in that instant because it was already in play" Ed stated firmly.
Spike interjected "We all knew the kids might dart in any direction upon entry. They are unpredictable. It could have been any one or all of them that moved on us. Jules priority was the grouped kids, my priority was Kenny and Wordy's priority was the subject. Everyone did what was possible to protect them in the store. Wordy located the subject and pursued. You responded to his backup request."
Wordy took over "The situation in the alley was fast and required split second decision making. The subject's body movements were jerky and he was in a heightened agitated state when he realized he was locked in. He had already fired at one kid and was using a little girl as a human shield and threatening to kill her. Constable Braddock's highly honed observational skills allowed him to recognize the immediate threat and his split second response saved the little girl. She would have been dead if he did not fire when he did."
Agent Stevens noted that down and asked the use-of-force continuum questions to Wordy. Then she directed her questions to Sam "There was an EMS report that you were unconscious for a period of time after using lethal force. What was the reason for this Constable Braddock?"
Sam took a deep breath and responded with a hint of sadness lacing his words "The little girl being held, Sara, looked at me with innocent green eyes. I noticed she did not have shoes on. My little sister also named Sara, had eyes much like hers died in front of me when I was nine. She was knocked out of her shoes when the car hit her."
"I saw the subject raising the gun toward her head and I took the shot. In that instant after firing the memories of my sister Sara overwhelmed me. I wasn't sure if I had been able to react fast enough to save Sara Clarry. It hit me hard. There was nothing I could do to save my sister. I think my mind did not want to register if I wasn't able to react in time to save Sara Clarry. It would have been too painful if I wasn't able to. So I collapsed."
Watching closely Patch noticed that Blondie had paled considerably and his breathing was starting to get uneven. This was still too raw, too soon for him to be discussing. He was about to call a break when agent Stevens spoke her voice a little unsteady "We will break for at least ten minutes as I need to document my findings".
Patch looked at her and saw her eyes were teary and knew it was a complete fabrication. Sam's words affected her too.
Kendall really needed the break. That was just too heart wrenching to hear especially after witnessing what Donner did to him. She couldn't believe that Donner blamed a nine year old boy who watched his sister die of causing his father's suicide. She shuffled papers and wrote some nonsense down pretending to be doing something as she remembered all the hurtful things Donner hurled at Sam. She felt sick to her stomach just remembering so excused herself and went to the bathroom where she splashed cold water on her face and took some time to recompose herself.
Sam sat contemplating his choice of words. It was subtle shift in thinking. It was the first time he had ever described it as 'nothing I could do to save my sister' versus 'it was my fault, I failed to save her'. His brain starting to recognize that as a nine year old there really wasn't anything he could have done. That somethings were just out of his control and that is not failure.
He looked up as Jules knelt down next to his chair with a drink in her hands. "Want an energy drink and how ya doing?" she asked with concern in her voice.
"Sure. Thanks. Doing okay. Hard, always hard to go through, but you know that." Sam replied honestly. Something told him he could always be totally honest with her. She might get pissed off but she would never judge him. He looked into her sable brown eyes and saw compassion and maybe a hint of something more. He silently wished she would run her fingers through his hair that had felt nice at the bank.
Jules handed Sam the drink. As she rose to go back to her seat she couldn't resist running her fingers through his hair a bit as she said "Yeah. It's always hard. Just one more to go. You'll get through it. We are family; we're all here for you."
She thought she heard him sigh contentedly. He likes this she thought with a smile just before she walked back to her chair and sat down. She looked down at her hand; her fingers tingled from that touch. Strange reactions and thoughts he brings out in me.
Greg was watching Sam and Jules intently. There was something more there than just teammates. Nothing he could put a finger on but something. He noticed the way she comforted him and his response. They had a connection he could not define yet. He didn't think they even knew but it was there. He'd have to keep a watchful eye on them.
After ten minutes agent Steven cleared her throat before she said "Based on the facts of this case and testimony given here my recommended finding will be that it was justified use of lethal force. Now, we have the final call to get through and then we will be done. The gang war in Rouge Park. I have already obtained a statement from Constable Frank Hudson who was a member of the team lead by Constable Braddock. Constable Callaghan please provide an accounting of the actions of the team up until spotting the subjects in the clearing."
Jules reported all the details. When she finished Kendall asked "You say that Constable Braddock appeared upset by something Constable Plouffe was doing? Do you know what it was about?"
Jules shook her head no.
"Constable Braddock can you please explain?" agent Stevens inquired.
Everyone was watching Sam closely. Something was definitely bothering him and he was uncomfortable and reluctant to explain. Ed, Blaze and Wordy thought they saw a hint of fear in his eyes. He truly did not want to say why.
Crap what was that he just told himself about being honest with her, she's gonna be pissed off. She wouldn't punch me would she? He braced himself and decided to state facts, god help him, deep breath "Aaron was putting the team at risk because of his actions. So I switched teams and made him take point with me so I could keep the team safe."
Will Stevens let me get away with only this? Please, please, don't ask what actions he begged silently.
"What actions would put the team at risk?" Stevens asked unaware of his tension.
Damn, never lucky, just say and get it over with, don't be a coward "Aaron asked Jules to take point. Told her he was better at covering the rear." Deep breath "He was not doing his job watching for threats, it made me angry, he was busy leering at her backside, watching HER rear, not THE rear."
Not a single one expected that answer. The room erupted in laughter. All except for Jules. Fire sparked and burned brightly in Jules eyes as she shouted "He was leering at my ass. I should have decked him. He deserved it mostly for all the crap he was spewing at you. How dare he put you and Frank at risk by doing that?" She continued to spout off totally incensed by Aaron's actions because they put the other guys at risk.
Greg moved close to Jules while everyone else moved away. He got her attention with a soft touch to the shoulder and only said in a long drawn out sound "Jules." He gave her a look that said settle down without having to say the words.
She smoldered a bit more then abruptly turned on Sam and bit out angrily "Why the hell didn't you tell me?" He just gave her a playful look of 'duh when have I had time combined with just don't punch me' before he ducked his head trying to hide the laughter that infected him too.
After several more minutes of hilarity at the expense of Jules, agent Stevens tried to get the proceedings back to a serious note. But it was difficult she liked watching them all laugh. "Okay, let's calm down. So we know what occurred up to spotting the subjects."
Since he was only one who could tell the details she finally had to engage Sam in giving details of lethal force. She had spared him as much as she could. "Constable Braddock, please give the details from that point to the activities that resulted in one wounded subject, three dead subjects and the death of Constable Plouffe."
Sam gave a full and steady report of all the actions taken. Just as he had the night before he indicated Aaron's part in saving his life and his sorrow that he was unable to save Aaron. He ended his account saying that Aaron was a credit to SRU and an honorable man.
Kendall didn't even bother asking the use of force questions. It was clearly evidenced by Aaron's death and Sam's injuries that it was justified. She was somewhat amazed that Sam could feel that way towards Aaron given the vitriol the man had spewed about him and his behavior towards him and the teammates.
However she did have to agree with his reasoning. In the end the man was honorable and should not be judged by one afternoon's events. Kendall stated "Based on the information gathered here I also will recommend that the use of lethal force was justified in all three subject deaths. Constable Braddock, you will receive official word in a few days' time regarding the findings in each case. If there are no questions, this will conclude the interview."
Sam looked at the clock amazed to find it was only eleven am. He couldn't believe they finished so quickly. Even though it was short he was exhausted by it. The process took a lot of his energy.
Patch could tell. He came up to him and placed beauty in his hand and quietly but firmly said "Blondie, you need to rest. I'll wake you when lunch arrives." Then he helped him rise and into the bedroom.
The others watched Sam move slowly from the room and were glad that it was over. Agent Stevens gathered up her documents said goodbye and left with Caldwell and Holleran.
Greg decided they all needed to take a break from anything serious until after lunch. They all needed time to regroup mentally. So they dispersed into small groups chatting about nothing in particular. Wordy excused himself to call Shel and Ed did the same thing to call Sophie.
The General sat in a quiet corner and placed a call to Yvonne and briefly explained what had happened with their son. He left out most of the painful details and all the classified ones. He smiled as he told her about coffee this morning and she agreed that there was hope.
Royal York Hotel – Room on 3rd Floor - 11 am
He stretched languidly and yawned, rolled over and decided to finally rise for the day. He was thinking about his phone conversation early this morning. I know for certain he'll finish it if Murphy fails me again. Murphy was good for information. Hell his unit was on the plane that the General flew back in and he fed him the story of the General's behavior. That was fun to listen to.
But Murphy was fairly inept at follow through, always messing up in some way. The only reason he was in command of his own unit is all his fuck ups ended up getting the senior members killed over the years until he was the senior one. He was happy to arrange for him to lead the unit; made it easier to use his toy soldier to hurt the General.
Today was gonna be such fun. He almost hoped Murphy would fail. The irony of killing the toy soldier with his backup plan would be somewhat fitting on two levels. It was what had started his hatred of the General and it was what the toy soldier was best at. It would be so fitting. He smiled and rose to get a shower. Yes today was gonna be fun to watch.