Jilted, Judgment Calls and Justice
Mexican Marine Headquarters - Infirmary
Jason wanted to break it easy to the kid, but no matter how he said it, learning about Stella would hurt Clay, so he got right to the point. "Stella was your girlfriend. You two broke up right before coming to Mexico."
Clay scrunched his face, trying to remember, but came up blank. "Who jilted who?"
Just like the kid to go right to the jugular of the matter. Jason raked a hand through his hair. "She broke up with you."
His mind piecing other details together the guys shared with him, Clay turned his eyes to Sonny … a man who he perceived carried guilt about what happened to him. He tested his suspicion with a statement. "We went out drinking because of me. I'm the one to blame for what occurred."
Sonny stood and met Clay's gaze. "Now hold your horses there, little jocky. That ain't the whole truth. This isn't on you. Yeah sure, you was hurtin and wantin to drown your sorrows … but I shouldn't have let you drink so much nor taken you outside the wire. You could've gotten juiced up right here."
Jason shook his head. "The fault lies with me. I made a bad judgment call and asked Sonny to take you out because you were down in the dumps and not opening up to us."
Switching his eyes to Jason, Clay couldn't believe the confession coming from the infamous Hayes. "You told Sonny to get me drunk and put our lives at risk?"
The disbelief and condemnation in Clay's eyes burned a hole in Jason. "Yes. Not my smartest move. I'm sorry … you deserved better from me."
Ray eyed Spenser, studying him, somewhat concerned about his reaction to the news of Stella … or rather lack of reaction. The kid seemed more upset by Jason's decision than the fact Stella dumped him. But then he realized Clay didn't possess the memories of his heartache and must be unsettled Jason made such a terrible judgment and jeopardized his safety by sending him out unprotected just to get him to talk.
Clay turned his gaze to the window as he juggled conflicting thoughts. Not truly knowing them … only what they told him, Clay couldn't decide whether the apology was sincere and what would possess his leader to put him at such a risk. He wished Brian and Adam were alive so he could talk to someone he actually remembered and trusted. He muttered under his breath, "This sucks."
"Big time," Brock said having overheard Clay. He rose and moved into the kid's line of vision. "Just know, we are here for you. We've all had a rough year … but in the end … we've all come to rely more on our brothers. Give us time to re-earn your trust. We won't fail you again."
Clay studied the tall man with curly black hair as his hand sought out the head of Cerberus who inched up further on his bed. Brock rarely talked, usually letting the others explain things to him. But the dog … Cerberus … belonged to him, and dogs were a good judge of character and Brock treated the pup well. Not sure what to say, Clay gave him a slight nod.
Mandy stuck her head in the room. "Jason, we have a potential lead on Doza's whereabouts, but we need to act fast."
Hating to leave the kid at the moment, wanting to ensure they were still good, or at least he had a chance of regaining his trust, but desiring to get the bastard who ordered the hit on Spenser, he responded to Ellis, "Be right there."
Placing a hand on Clay's shoulder, noting he jerked slightly, Jason said, "We'll talk more later." He pivoted and headed out when Clay didn't acknowledge him. As much as this disconcerted him, Jason put it on the back burner, needing to focus on getting Doza.
Brock peered at Cerberus. "Stay." Shifting his gaze to Clay he grinned. "Don't know why I just told him that … he'd rather be with you than me lately. Catch you later." He strode out after Jason.
Sonny glanced at Ray, wishing he could go with them, but he was still grounded. After the 2IC said bye to Clay, Sonny said, "Get payback for us."
"You got it." Ray jogged out after patting Sonny's shoulder.
Trent set the damp cloth down which he had been holding all this time, it was now twisted tight. He didn't like the tension which built after the turn of events of telling the kid about Stella. None of them had foreseen this outcome. All they had focused on was Clay being hurt by Stella's actions … not creating doubt in Clay regarding their leader.
He directed his comment to Sonny. "Make sure he tries the broth and if he can keep it down, see if you can round up some jello if Clay wants something more."
Sonny nodded as Trent left. With only him, Clay, and Cerb in the room, Sonny sighed before he broached the elephant in the room. "Jason's only human, though people tend to put him on a pedestal. I'd follow him any day and twice on Sunday. Alana's death jumbled him up but good. Both you and he came into this mission not quite on point. Don't think we told you, but they knew each other since they were kids. Alana saved him from drowning." He chuckled. "Funny Jace became a SEAL."
His countenance changed, becoming somber. "Jason's world was totally rocked when she died. We were spun up at Alana's funeral which is why Adam stepped up to lead on the Mumbai mission. Jason carries the weight of guilt for that one too though we all believe he did the right thing in standing down. His kids needed him."
Shifting gears again, Sonny said, "You don't recall, but after Echo team was killed, Jason wouldn't rest until he got justice for them. The same is true now. Doza will rue the day he put a hit out on you and posted the photo of you hanging from the hook on the internet.
"We might not be too happy with Stella right now for ripping your heart out, but no one hurts anyone in our family. Her seeing that damned picture sent her for a loop according to Naima. Jason will not rest until Doza is brought to justice for what he did to you and to Stella."
Clay turned to gape at Sonny. So much new information in Sonny's monolog, he didn't know what to address first. Sheila entering saved him from having to choose as she approached him and lifted the cup of soup.
"Do you think you can stomach a bit of this?" Sheila smiled and moved the soup closer.
"I'll try." Clay allowed Sheila to do all the work, moving his joints to feed himself seemed impossible at the moment. As the warm liquid slid down his throat, he hoped his gut wouldn't revolt and attempt to expel the broth.
Twenty minutes later, his eyelids sagging and the cup empty, Clay rested his head on the pillow and yawned. Unable to resist the pull of sleep, he drifted off without ever speaking to Sonny about what he learned.
Virginia – University – Lecture Hall
Frank Isaksson jumped off the corner of the desk he was sitting on as he gave his lecture, startled as six soldiers in full tactical gear and carrying assault weapons burst into his classroom and headed down two ramps towards him.
John Maverick, known as Full Metal and Alpha One, bellowed, "Everyone stay in your seats and keep your hands visible. Professor Isaksson, hands where we can see them."
"What the hell is the meaning of this? We are not a police state. You have no jurisdiction … no right to barge into my class and demand anything," Frank shouted.
Following the SEALs into the room, Sergeant James Fox of the local SWAT team, said, "They do." He recalled this man as one of the two men who hid in the bathroom during the heist at the Farris Gallery. He got a bad vibe off the jerk back then but only believed he was a coward. Finding out he was wanted for recruiting students to the terrorist cell called the International Islam Brotherhood, angered James, especially after Isaksson bad-mouthed Clay Spenser, the man who saved everyone that night.
The students stared wide-eyed at the soldiers and the plethora of police officers and FBI agents invading their space.
Derek, Alpha Two, moved in close to Frank, a sneer coming to his face. He liked Stella, even though the young woman hurt Clay, His wife Trish, explained to him how hard it was for those who stay behind and worry about the men they loved … and Stella was frightened and unsure she could hack a life of wondering if the man she loved would return. Not many women possessed the fortitude to live with a constant anvil over their heads, ready to destroy them.
Grabbing one wrist, Derek jerked Isaksson around while his teammates covered him. "You're under arrest. I do hope you try to resist. I'd love to knock you on your ass for what you sent to Stella." Pulling the other arm behind Frank's back, he slipped on the zip-tie cuffs when the man cooperated, but yanked them painfully taut.
"OW! Brutality. I didn't resist. What are the charges?" Frank demanded.
"Domestic terrorism," John stated. He nodded to his men, and they hustled Isaksson out as the SWAT sergeant addressed the students.
James said, "Please remain in your seats and quiet. Officers will be escorting you one-by-one to agents who will interview you before you are released."
Eight Weeks Later
Mexican Marine Headquarters - TOC
Weeks dragged by, and every time they believed they had a bead on Doza, he slipped away. Jason became frustrated being away from his kids so long. Captain Harrington had said they would stay in Mexico until they got Doza, but Jason never imagined every opportunity to snag the guy would go sideways.
The more he contemplated the situation, the more he believed they must have a mole in their midst … because quite frankly, Doza couldn't be this damned lucky. He blew out a breath and raked both hands through his hair.
Jason surveyed his joyless team. The only bright spot was Spenser had recovered remarkably fast. This morning, Doctor Irving signed off on Clay joining them for the next op … and Trent concurred. After a small setback, a bout of jaundice seven weeks ago, Clay's physical health improved by leaps and bounds.
Not everything went the kid's way. Clay still had not recovered any of his memories on his own. The past year remained a blank slate for the kid. The only thing positive about that is the kid didn't pine for Stella. In fact, he had flirted outrageously with Nurse Sheila, flashing his boyish smile and bright blues at her every opportunity he got. When Sheila left, they all witnessed the two of them engaged in a serious lip lock, and Sheila told Clay to call her when he returned.
Sometimes, Jason had the juvenile thought that he wished Stella could witness the kid kissing the cute nurse and she would become jealous and give Clay a second chance. But reality sunk in and he understood more on the situation after Ray shared what Naima told him.
Stella and the entire university faculty had been shocked by Isaksson's involvement with the IIB. It was Stella opening the email which sealed the ability to get the arrest warrant. The FBI also netted three students who had been recently recruited by him. Naima also revealed Stella came over to her home several times, asking about Clay … since Clay never bothered to contact her.
Each time Stella visited Naima, she teared up … and Naima said the woman loved Clay deeply, but still couldn't reconcile living her life waiting to find out if he would come home from a mission. Unfortunately, Jason understood what Stella was feeling … Alana struggled with the same issues, and that is part of the reason she left him.
As Clay joined them at the table, sitting in the only open chair, which happened to be next to him, Jason stifled a sigh as Clay crossed his arms and scooted the chair back and away from him. The only part about Spenser which still bothered him was the kid appeared to have lost trust him in. Understandable, since he was the one that put the kid in the position that allowed Doza's men to abduct, torture, and almost hang him.
Although Clay seemed to establish a decent relationship with all of Bravo … which included Davis and Blackburn, but not so much Ellis, the kid remained standoffish with him. During Clay's rehab, if given a choice Clay picked any member of the team to help, eschewing him as if he had the plague. At first, he shrugged it off, hoping to give Spenser time to accept his apology, but as weeks passed and nothing changed, it began to rub him the wrong way.
Having a team member who didn't trust his leadership would cause friction on missions … and could pose issues that might end up getting someone killed. Jason just didn't know how to fix this problem, because Clay's reasoning was justified. Jason accepted he screwed up big time … he only wanted a chance to rectify his error.
Jason tuned back into Mandy who finally got intel which might let them end this cat and mouse game once and for all.
Standing at the front of the table, Mandy said, "Four hours ago, Lazo called Carla to set up an escort for tonight."
Ray leaned forward, excited to finally have something actionable. "Okay, Whose the lucky lady?"
Mandy flicked a button and showed a photo of a pretty aspiring actress as she gave them the details on Nunez.
Sonny asked, "Are we going to pick him up en route or wait til he gets to his shag pad?"
Martinez advised against picking him up, stating Doza would be alerted the moment Lazo went off the grid.
Glad to be back in operation … but still not thrilled with working with Master Chief Hayes, regardless of what all the guys told him about Hayes, Clay kept his arms crossed, as he said, "All right, so what's the plan?"
As the conversation around him continued, Clay's anxiety increased when they talked about sending someone into the club which the cartel frequented. He clenched his jaw, hoping like hell they wouldn't choose him. Although he didn't recall the assault per se, recovering from being impaled on a hook had been no easy task, and he still woke jittery and drenched in sweat, dogged by nightmares he never remembered.
His eyes shifted to Ellis when she said couples attracted less attention. Clay would never admit, but when Mandy said Hayes had a date for the night, he was relieved not to be going into La Sociale. But the animosity between Hayes and Ellis fairly filled the room. He didn't understand the source of it, but a team rife with stress before a mission never boded well for a successful outcome.
When Blackburn suggest everyone go get some rest, Clay welcomed the respite. He stood and headed out with Sonny. He had become fast friends with the weird Texan … who seemed to give him a new name every time he talked to him. He lost count on the ones used, but of all of them, Kid was the most palatable and most often used by all the guys.
Mexican Marine Headquarters – Bravo Hooch
Sitting at the table, Clay glanced up when Hayes entered the area. He went back to cleaning his weapon, hoping not to be pulled into a conversation, but Jason spoke to him anyway.
"You're supposed to be resting."
"Had more than enough rest in the last two months. I'm good." Clay concentrated on reassembling the gun. What he left out is that he didn't want to chance sleeping and waking up soaked from another nightmare before his first mission back.
Jason decided not to push it for now. Though soon he and the kid would need to have it out. If Clay couldn't trust him … as much as it pained him, Spenser might need to transfer teams. If push came to shove, he would talk to John about placing the kid with Alpha, since he trusted Full Metal and Derek to keep him safe. No way in hell would he want or allow Spenser to end up on Fuller's Charlie team. Although, with Dunn and Roberson gone from Delta and the 2IC taking over, Spencer might be a good fit with Delta too.
Nodding, Jason left without saying another word. He really didn't want to lose the kid. The rest of Bravo would be royally pissed at him if they did. He headed to his little cell to contact his kids before they went back to the planning session … Lisa, Mandy, and Rita were pulling information on the club and surrounding area now, and they would reconvene in an hour.
Mexico City – Narrow Road
Clay yelled, "RPG," as he slid the van door open and bailed out on the driver's side with Brock who was driving. As he went sprawling on the ground, he hoped like hell Sonny made it out the other side. He didn't have time to think as bullets began flying, but before he had been dissatisfied with Hayes' call again … the master chief was putting them all at risk to get Lazo … and led them right into an ambush.
Scrambling up, he put his hand on his right side as it twinged. Though fully healed, landing hard on his stomach he must've bruised a rib. A flash rippled in front of his eyes, and he wobbled a moment before righting himself.
"Six, you okay?" Brock yelled as he rose and noticed the kid sway.
"Yeah, you?" Clay answered.
"Yeah."
Both raced for cover as the cartel men continued to fire.
Inside Church
With Doza's men on the way, QRF too far out, low on ammo, Martinez dead, and Lazo dying, this wasn't the time or place Jason would pick, but he could no longer allow Spenser to second-guess him in the field. He continued, "Every decision I've made has always been about mission success and what's best for the team. That's it. Don't ever doubt that. Never."
When Clay only stared at him, Jason added, "Even the decision to send you out with Sonny. You were off and jammed up. I needed to find out where your head was at. This mission is different. Failure's not an option. Doza must be stopped. He is pure evil … the scar you bear is a testament to his viciousness."
Clay's hand went to his right side at the mention of the wound he suffered. A flare of pain running through his head caused him to wince and falter. A strong grip steadied him, and when he opened his lids, he found Hayes' hand on his elbow. The concern reflected in Jason's eyes confused him.
"Got it?"
Unsure if the softer statement was the completion of his set down or asking if he was alright, Clay nodded and chose to answer as if it was for the former, "Roger that."
Jason wanted to ask if Clay was okay, but he didn't believe he would get a straight answer at this point. So he nodded and said, "Good. Positions." As Clay walked towards the front, he eyed Sonny, sending a message to watch out for the kid. He worried that perhaps they allowed him to return too soon or if he had been re-injured in the RPG blast.
His attention was diverted when Lazo asked for last rights. Jason understood he needed to be a bastard as he answered, "No. Mm-mm." The padre didn't like that one bit, and Jason realized Ray would have a problem with it too, but he needed Doza's whereabouts.
This would be his best last chance to obtain the info they needed. Although he told Spenser this mission was not personal … he lied. It was personal now. Doza would pay for what he did to the kid. The entire team was aware Clay suffered nightmares … his screams alerted them almost every time the kid slept. So if he had to be a bastard, he would. Doza's reign of terror must end and justice must be served.
Hiking Through the Mangrove Jungle to Doza's Compound
Clay followed Ray who was on point. During the thirty-minute planning session they joked with Sonny about jaguars being the sharks of the jungle … and as they did, something jarred in his memory. He struggled to place it and gave up as they went to grab a bit of rest before moving out.
Ever since he jumped out of the van and smacked the cement, he was experiencing bursts of pain in his head, and fragments of jumpy images which made no sense. Like a movie playing … but the film had been cut into thousands of pieces and glued back together in random order with many scenes left out.
One thing good to come out of the puzzling snippets is his sense of unease with Hayes seemed to dissipate. Though jumbled, he recalled bits and pieces of times when Jason had his back. He also remembered the tears in Jason's eyes as he spoke at Alana's funeral.
As a result, he apologized to Jason for questioning his judgment in the field and was surprised when Jason told him to forget it. His master chief understood he was frustrated and when he said, 'Besides, you almost got mudsucked, you know? And that'll do that to people, trust me,' Clay nodded, comprehending they were on an even keel again. He ended that portion of the conversation saying he would keep it for the AAR next time, which steered the conversation to Stella.
Stella … he still couldn't recall much about her, but apparently, he had been blindsided and jacked-up by her breaking up with him. Enough so that he was distracted and not on point during a mission, and caused Jason to make one bad call.
An animal growl interrupted his thoughts, followed by Sonny saying, "Please tell me that growl wasn't a jaguar."
Ray quipped, "Want someone to hold your hand, Sonny?"
"What I do want is to get ahold of is my rightful place atop the food chain."
Clay winced as another pain flashed his head. He tripped on a jungle vine and down he went. Opening his eyes, he found Trent above him with a worried mien.
"Headaches getting worse?" Trent queried, having noticed the frequent grimaces on Clay's face ever since the night at the church.
"How?" Clay started, wondering how Trent knew, but stopped, "never mind." He answered the medic, "Comes and goes. Short bursts, usually coupled with some piece of memory … or something I think might be a recollection. Sometimes I'm not sure."
"Like?" Trent asked as he pulled Clay up.
"Well, Sonny's comment about the top of the food chain … did a leopard try to eat me?"
Sonny chuckled. "Yep. Three-inch-long canines took a huge bite of you in the caves, and the claws tried to rip open your jugular. That's where the scars on your arm and back of your neck came from. I crushed its skull to dig out a bit o' brain matter to test for rabies."
"What else are you recalling?" Trent passed Clay a couple of aspirins to help with the headache.
Clay downed them, and as they resumed hiking, he said, "Things that don't make sense."
"Such as?" Ray prompted, happy the kid's memory was jogged, yet also worried he might experience emotional pain once his feelings for Stella returned … if they did. The kid might be unconsciously repressing them.
"Talking to someone named Hector in a graveyard about being in a hole. Jumping off an oil platform … twice, once holding Jason. Having an arrow in my ass. Tying some guy to a toilet with neckties."
The guys all laughed and filled in Clay on the events surrounding each of his memories until Ray's fist went up and they encountered five enemies guarding the back door of Doza compound.
Doza's Mansion
"Havoc this is One. Chiapas police are readying for engagement," Jason reported as he stood by the window near Clay.
"Copy that One. Stand by." Eric responded from the C17 TOC. He had a difficult decision to make, and Mandy's statement that they hand over the HVT wasn't her call to make. This was his job, the hard decisions fell to him … so did getting Bravo out of trouble, and in this case as with all cases … the men were his primary concern. Their lives were more important than a drug dealer.
"Havoc Base to Bravo One. Turn the HVT over and lay your weapons down. We're not losing any of you," Eric ordered. Not a call he really wanted to make, but he would rather turn over Doza than lose any of his men. The Chiapas police would go in heavy, and it would be an international incident … also something Eric didn't want to happen.
"Havoc this is One. Laying down," Jason replied … internally conflicted about coming so close, yet missing again.
"Jason, come on, man." Clay couldn't believe they would just let Doza go. He itched to put a bullet between the evil bastard's eyes.
Not happy with the command, Sonny said, "Come on, Boss."
"Weapons down. Now," Jason ordered as he took off his assault rifle and lay it in a chair.
Ray had Jason's back. "You heard the man, do it." He unslung his weapon. "We're not murderers."
"Yeah, but he's murdered thousands of people a year," Sonny retorted. His mind stuck on the fact that Clay might've been one of them … him too had Bravo not arrive in time on the rooftop to save their asses.
Angry that Doza would get away again, Clay challenged, "If we stand down, how many more die?"
Pacing, Jason turned to Clay. "I'm more concerned about your blood. We almost lost you once here. I'm not going to take a chance again. I failed you before, and I refuse to make another judgment call that puts your life … all our lives in jeopardy. Take your weapon off, lay it down. Now."
"There's no justice in this." Juan Lopez raised his gun and pointed it at Doza.
After several tense moments, Juan complied with Jason's order and tossed his weapon on the chair. Ray went to cut the zip ties binding Doza's hands as Jason instructed Clay to open the door.
The gunshot jarred Clay, and he spun around in time to see Doza fall to the carpet, and Juan drop Doza's handgun next to the dead man. Clay continued to stare as the blood puddle grew around the jackal's head, and Jason grabbed Juan's vest telling him he shouldn't have done that. Pain surged in Clay's head, and he staggered back against the jamb.
Sonny crossed the room in four strides and grabbed Spenser's arm to steady him. "Easy. You need to sit?"
A flood of memories assaulted Clay all at once. Overloaded with emotions as an image of Brian with a parachute, preparing for their training jump, then watching only five canopies unfurl, peering at five faces, hoping to find Brian's among those who landed safely, and the gut-wrenching grief when he didn't see him. Another set of flashes showed Adam telling him to shake it off, then Seaver running towards the s-vest and landing a moment later, missing limbs and on fire.
Clay sucked in jagged breaths as his knees started to buckle. His hand went to his abdomen as remembered searing pain lanced through him as the hook impaled him, the jarring and jerking motions as they hoisted him up causing him to scream bloody murder, and the expression on Sonny's face as he cried out.
"Four, need you here. Six is going down," Sonny called out as he took most of Clay's weight as the kid keeled over. The Chiapas police entered at the same moment calling for them to show them their hands, but Sonny refused to let go of Spenser to comply, which brought guns into both their faces.
Luckily, they didn't shoot as they assessed the situation … one man holding another who appeared to be having some type of panic attack. As Juan and Jason talked to Comandante Salas, Ray moved to assist Sonny since Trent wouldn't be able to come to them.
Clay's eyes remained shut, his brows knitted in intense pain, his jaw clenched as one memory after another slid into place. The good, the bad, the ugly … the excruciatingly painful. A forlorn, "Stella," slipped from Clay's mouth unbidden before he passed out.
Salas turned his attention to the soldier on the ground after he moved the pistol under Doza's hand, choosing to take the path of Doza committing suicide. He wondered what was going on, but didn't ask.
Jason turned his gaze from Spenser to Salas. "We just want to go home."
Salas took one last glance at the unconscious soldier then back at the leader. "Then go home."
Nodding Jason moved towards Clay. He crouched and pulled the kid against his shoulder. "I got him." Jason lifted Clay in a fireman's carry as he stood. It was time to take their kid home.
This mission tried all their souls … and the one word from Clay indicated to Jason the kid finally recalled what Stella meant to him. Their brother would be in a world of emotional pain, but the team would not forsake him … they would be with him every step of the way to support him in any way necessary.
Ray and Sonny fell into step behind Jason and Juan followed behind them. Reaching Trent and Brock, Juan halted and allowed the other two to join their teammates. Juan would never be able to repay these men or Colonel Martinez for their sacrifices … but he would try by continuing to fight against the cartels and make his country a safer place.
Clay's Apartment
Rapping on his door woke Clay. He rubbed his crusty eyes and spied the broken glass from the photo frame he had slammed on the ground in a fit of anger. His emotions ran the gambit from high to low. He wanted to blame jetlag, but the reality was, losing Stella hurt like hell … maybe worse the second time around.
His memories continued to come to him vivid technicolor. Every little laugh, the flick of Stella's hair, and the scent of her still lingered in his place even though it had been months … so he assumed … since she was in his place.
Louder knocking followed by, "Blondezilla, if you don't open up, I'm busting down this door," caused Clay to push off the couch and stagger over to his door.
He flung the portal open and growled, "What the hell do you want?"
Taking in Clay's disheveled state, noting he looked jacked up, Sonny quipped, "I see you got your beauty sleep … does wonders for your personality too, Sunshine."
"Fuck off!" Clay turned and shuffled back to his couch … his home for the last twenty-four hours.
Stepping into the apartment, Sonny noted the shattered picture frame, and a plethora of beer cans strewn about, but what concerned him was the almost empty bottles of Jack Daniels and Jim Beam.
Sonny wasn't one to be preaching to anyone about drinking in excess, but the kid had major surgery on his intestines only a two months ago … Trent didn't want him drinking more than an occasional beer. "So you've been partying with Jim and Jack I see. How's that working out for you?"
Clay only scowled. He wasn't about to tell Sonny he puked up everything he drank.
Grabbing the back of Clay's shirt, he pushed the kid towards the bathroom. "You reek. You need a shower, now."
"Go to hell!"
"Been there … kinda hot like Texas." When Clay tried to pull away from him, Sonny increased his hold and jostled the kid all the way to the bathroom and into the shower, and before Clay could exit, Sonny turned on the tap all the way to hot.
As the residual freezing water in the line cascaded down on Clay, he struck out at Sonny … found his hit blocked and himself sitting on the floor of his shower, his t-shirt and jeans drenched.
Sonny crossed his arms. "You gonna wash or do you require assistance?"
Glaring up at Sonny, Clay tugged off his shirt and flung it at his jackass of a brother, satisfied when he heard the thwack of it hitting him.
"At least your aim ain't impaired." Sonny dropped the wet shirt in the sink and waited until Clay began removing his jeans before exiting the room, satisfied the kid would wash now that he was soaking wet.
He checked the fridge, and of course, it was empty. So … alcohol with alcohol and nothing to eat. The kid is not handling losing Stella well. Sonny pulled out his phone and called Jason as he noted the steam coming from Clay's bathroom now that the water heated up.
Jason answered Sonny's call with, "How broken is he?"
"The kid looks like a strung-out junkie. Threw him in the shower … literally. He's gonna be pissed about that. Needs food and us. Trent's not gonna be pleased with his choice of beverages nor the quantity … tell him to bring his kit."
Jason sighed. "On my way. I'll call the others."
Sonny hung up and grabbed a trash bag before heading to the main room. He tossed all the beer cans and both whiskey bottles into the bag. Next, he went in search of a broom and dustpan, stopping to peek in the bathroom, noting Clay letting the water roll down his back. He swept up the shards and put the now glassless frame back on the desk where it had sat for almost a year.
When the water turned off, Sonny checked on Clay again and noted he ambled to the bedroom toweling his hair dry.
Clay dressed in comfortable sweatpants, and then pulled out a clean shirt. As he went to yank it over his head, he caught the scent of Stella. He bit his lower lip and scrunched his face.
So much in this place reminded him of her … everywhere he turned he could see her. Sitting on the couch grading papers. Standing at the sink, complaining about his choice of toothpaste, but using it anyway. Lying in his bed next to her … happy just to cuddle or enjoying a jaunty ride with her atop him.
He thought he hit the jackpot with Stella. An intelligent, fun-loving, and strong woman. He believed he could have it all, but that was only a pipe-dream. They were now as far apart as January and July … Jupiter and Mars … North and South poles. She resented his work, and his work was who he was … so she resented him.
"Decent?" Sonny called out as he came to the bedroom door.
"Like that would matter to you," Clay sniped.
Sonny chuckled.
Clay eyed him. "I assume the others are on their way."
"Yep."
"And you told Trent?"
"Nope."
Clay lifted a brow and sighed. "You told Jason, and he told Trent."
Sonny grinned. "And they say alcohol dulls the mind."
Clay shook his head, pushed past Sonny, and noted his teammate cleaned up his mess. His eyes landed on the photo of him and Stella, but he continued to the couch and plopped down.
Not long after, the rest of Bravo team showed up. Ray arrived with something Naima whipped up. Trent came with his med kit, and Clay submitted to a once-over. Brock brought Cerberus, who jumped up on the couch next to him and laid his head in Clay's lap once Trent finished his exam. Jason carried in several bags, presumably with groceries, though Clay didn't see the contents.
Several hours later, Clay nodded off again, his stomach full of healthy food, and his mind filled with jovial anecdotes as his brothers distracted him from his heartache. As much as it hurt recalling how Stella left him … he would never wish he hadn't regained his memory, because he would be missing all the good parts of being a member of Bravo team too.
The guys cleaned up, moved Clay to his bed, and then said goodbye to Sonny who would be staying the night … or several nights to ensure Clay didn't fall off the deep end again. Together they would help him through his pain because that is what brothers do for one another.
.
AN: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my fabulous readers. Hope you enjoyed AI-J and my little tweaking of the episodes to intertwine this story back into canon.
Suggestions for K and L welcome. Contributions for J include ...
- Jackal from IndyElora, Lunary, Victoria-Annxx
- Jacked from floopdeedoopdee
- Jackpot from IndyElora, Lunary
- Jaguar from Lunary, NetMyne01, Victoria-Annxx
- Jam/Jammed from Ildeira, L3gend78, Victoria-Annxx
- January from Victoria-Annxx
- Jaundice from HoneyPear, NetMyne01, Victoria-Annxx
- Jaw from AeroWright, HoneyPear, IndyElora, Juniper, NetMyne01, Victoria-Annxx
- Jealous/jealousy from Juniper, Lunary, Victoria-Annxx
- Jeans from NYPDathenareagan
- Jello from IndyElora, NetMyne01, Victoria-Annxx
- Jeopardy/jeopadize/jeopadizing from Juniper, Victoria-Annxx
- Jerk from Chgrgal, Victoria-Annxx
- Jetlag from floopdeedoopdee, IndyElora, Juniper, NetMyne01, Victoria-Annxx
- Jittery from IndyElora, Juniper
- Jock/Jocky from Victoria-Annxx
- Jog/jogging from HoneyPear, Juniper
- Join from L3gend78
- Joint from floopdeedoopdee, HoneyPear
- Joke/joker/jokes from IndyElora, L3gend78, Victoria-Annxx
- Jugular from Chgrgal, floopdeedoopdee, Guest, HoneyPear, Juniper, Lunary, NetMyne01, Victoria-Annxx
- Juice from Victoria-Annxx
- July from Victoria-Annxx, Ildeira
- Jumble/jumbled from IndyElora, Victoria-Annxx
- Jump/Jumpy/jumped/jumper from floopdeedoopdee, HoneyPear, Ildeira, IndyElora, Juniper, L3gend78, NetMyne01, Victoria-Annxx
- Jungle from NetMyne01, Victoria-Annxx
- Junkie from floopdeedoopdee
- Jupiter from Ildeira, Victoria-Annxx
- Jurisdiction from Lunary
- Jury from Chgrgal, Ildeira, Lunary
- Just from Lunary
- Justice from Chgrgal, floopdeedoopdee, Guest, HoneyPear, Lunary, Victoria-Annxx
- Justify/justified from floopdeedoopdee, Lunary
- Juvenile from floopdeedoopdee