Pub, Challenge, Gorgeous & Cousins
Eighteen Days After Rescue – London – Faulty Towers Pub – 10:00 pm
Dominique Savoy was seated in the back booth of the Faulty Towers Pub with his eyes glued to the front door. He was looking forward to seeing Will after so many years. The last time had been five years ago.
It was always interesting working with him. They met over thirty years ago working a joint covert mission together. Dom was only twenty-one at the time and a rookie member of the British SAS.
The two had jelled immediately and when the mission was over had kept in touch sporadically over the years. As they both rose in the ranks they connected occasionally officially tapping each other's skill set when necessary. But when Dom retired from service ten years ago and gone private, Will still tapped him infrequently when he needed to investigate or deal with something quietly and off the books.
Dom smiled as he saw the General enter he pub. Braddock could never go undercover. His whole bearing and body language screamed military. Even when he tried to relax and blend in like now it was still clearly evident to most people. But that's why Will worked with him.
General Braddock ambled casually into the pub. He was dressed in civilian clothes and had a cap pulled low over his face. He scanned the loud, packed room looking for Dom.
It was a good place to meet. A local pub where the patrons were usually too into their cups to bother with people they didn't know. They had stumbled on it nearly twenty-five years ago. The place hadn't changed a bit in all these years he noted as his looked around.
He finally spied Dom in the back booth. It took a while because the man was a chameleon. He could become anyone and anything in a split second. Dominique could change personas like people changed their underwear. But he was a honest, decent man that felt much like he did about Queen and country and family. That's what made him perfect for what he needed.
William strode over and was looking forward to their conversation. It had been a long time since he had spoken many of the languages they would use tonight. Thirty-three years ago, when they met and found out each loved languages and spoke many, they developed a roundabout way of speaking in public to ensure privacy of conversation.
"Bonjour Dom"
(Hello Dom) the General said in French as he sat in the booth.
"Фантастический , чтобы видеть вас снова мой друг. Как Ивонна и дети?"
(Fantastic to see you again my friend. How are Yvonne and the kids?) Dom replied in Russian.
"Yvonne und Natalie sind gut. Samuel ist nicht so gut im Moment. Die Arbeit, die ich für Sie habe ihn tatsächlich wirkt als gut. Ich war traurig, über Jeannette zu hören. Mein Beileid an Sie auf Ihrem Verlust . Wie sind Ihre Töchter Anna-Marie und Nico Handhabung?"
(Yvonne and Natalie are well. Samuel is not so well at the moment. The job I have for you actually affects him as well. I was sorry to hear about Jeannette. My condolences to you on your loss. How are your daughters Anna-Marie and Nicolette handling it?) Will conveyed in German.
"Tak min ven. Det har været vanskeligt , men med fokus på arbejde hjælper. Kræft er så nådesløs . Pigerne klarer sig bedre . De tog tabet af deres mor meget hårdt. Nicolette er vendt tilbage til universitetet . Anna- Marie vil blive gift i seks måneder."
(Thank you my friend. It has been difficult but focusing on work helps. Cancer is so unforgiving. The girls are doing better. They took the loss of their mother very hard. Nicolette has returned to University. Anna-Marie will be married in six months) Dominique answered in Danish.
"Es bueno saber. El trabajo que tengo para ti como dije es delicada . Hay un miembro de la Cámara de los Comunes . Necesitaba persuadirla para acordar convertir reactivación completo de Samuel a una asignación especial. Cuando se trata de hacer lo que salió a la luz que ella era sumamente corrupto. Pero todo se hace de boca en boca ya través de chantaje."
(Good to hear. The job I have for you as I said is delicate. There is a member of the House of Commons. I needed to persuade her to agree to convert Samuel's full reactivation to a special assignment. When attempting to do so it came to light that she was exceedingly corrupt. But all is done by word of mouth and via blackmail) Braddock started the conversation in Spanish.
Switching between several languages William went on to explain fully and to provide Dom with the scant information they had gathered so far. Dom asked several questions along the way also rotating languages. Anyone listening would be completely confused unless they possessed the capability of comprehending over ten languages.
"Quindi se ho capito bene . Hai bisogno di me per arrivare vicino a questa donna con ogni mezzo necessario. Guadagnare la fiducia e raccogliere le informazioni che metterà questa cagna via per la vita."
(So as I understand it. You need me to get close to this woman by any means necessary. Gain her trust and gather the information that will put this bitch away for life) Dom clarified in Italian.
"Sed quid opus est."
(Yes that is what I need) the General replied in Latin.
"Wiesz, może po prostu zabić ją dla Ciebie . Problem rozwiązany natychmiast."
(You know I could just kill her for you. Problem solved instantly) Dom laughed speaking Polish.
But he was actually quite serious. This bitch was messing with the lives of people he cared about. He would have no qualms taking her out. Their missions in the past had targets of this same nature. People who portrayed themselves as righteous and upstanding when in fact they were slithering cold-hearted vipers praying on others for their own gain.
The General just grinned at him and shook his head no. He knew that even though Dom had laughed he was serious and would do it instantly if he asked. No, he had to do this the right way, legally, even though a small part of him really wanted to tell Dom yes.
They spent the next two hours conversing about normal life and family. Both men enjoying the opportunity to speak languages they had become slightly rusty on due to disuse.
As they were paying the bill Dom said "I'll leave first thing in the morning. I already have an idea of how to proceed. I will provide you updates when I have something significant. I will not fail you my friend" Dominique said seriously.
"Thanks Dom. I know I can count on you." They shook hands and left the pub going opposite directions.
Twenty-one Days After Rescue – Special Forces Base Ottawa – Physical Therapy Department – 0900 (9:00 am)
Apollo was happy that his time spent in the physical therapy department helped so many. Yesterday was technically his last day there. A group of guys he had helped had gathered together to send him off with a huge thank you card with pictures of them walking. But since he was not currently assigned to a new unit and with Mason gone he was allowed to continue to volunteer and chose to do so.
When he eventually retired from Special Forces in many, many years, Apollo already knew what his second career would be. Lizzy had given him several books to study and he was learning about all the muscles in the body. She quizzed him daily. She said he would be a natural that he had a way of motivating guys that were depressed or despondent. Lizzy attributed a few of the successes directly to his contribution. It felt good.
He looked up from documenting his notes on the last patient. Apollo was glad to see Blaze and Cameo enter. Talk about helping. Christ, Cameo worked ten times harder when Blaze challenged him.
Blaze sure knew how to lead and motivate. Apollo would love to be assigned to his unit someday. Mason was great, but he could learn so much from Blaze too. Today was the big day. The guys would both try to walk the full length of the parallel bars unassisted.
"So kid, you ready for our challenge?" Blaze asked.
Smiling Cameo said with bravado "Bring it on. Be prepared to buy me beer for a month."
Blaze smiled. In the back of his mind he was still deciding whether it was better to let the young pup win or beat him. Not knowing which would be the best motivator for Cameo.
Lizzy walked towards the guys. "So gentlemen I hear today is the big day. Not sure who I'm putting my money on" she said.
Cameo looked at her a bit stunned "People are betting on us?"
Apollo laughed and slapped his back as he approached "You bet. It's about evenly split between those going for the experienced rough and tumbled been there done that guy and the young energetic up and coming hotshot."
Blaze had been impressed how Apollo helped Cameo the past weeks. Whenever Cameo faltered, Apollo was there encouraging him to push through. Lizzy was awesome too. She definitely earned her reputation.
She never put up with his raging crap. She effectively set him in his place or pushed him meet her goals which luckily were the same as his. Lizzy was unquestionably the Ice Queen. He had never used so much ice in his life. He even sat in tubs of ice after their sessions.
But personally she was a warm, lovely, lively, intelligent and caring woman. If he ever chose to settle down it would be with someone like her. He really liked her son too. That boy was sharp as a tack. He had an almost photographic memory.
He had been surprised when Ryan told him where he had first seen him and Russ. The kid described everything down to a tee including the state of Blondie's face that day. Lizzy had shared with him that she was constantly challenged to come up with new things to keep the kid's mind engaged, Ryan devoured information and books.
"Hey Lizzy can I talk to you a moment privately?" Blaze asked.
"Sure" Lizzy answered and moved away from the others with Blaze. Here was a man she thoroughly admired. He was true to his word he did everything she asked of him and more.
In the back of her mind before they had started working his injuries did look just as Bruce had imagined, career ending. But this man pushed through and endured more pain then she could believe and made amazing progress. He surpassed every goal she has set for him. If she ever married again it would be to someone like him.
"So wanted to ask you something, get your opinion" Blaze looked at her. Blaze trusted her insight and she could help him solve his dilemma with Cameo.
"Yeah, shoot" Lizzy smiled as she responded. God she loved the look of fire in his intelligent eyes. She looked at his lips pondering what it would be like to be kissed by him. Then at his arms or to be held safe in his strong capable arms.
Blaze enjoyed the look in her lovely gray eyes when she smiled and his mind wondered what they would look like if his kissed her thoroughly like he had wanted to do for over a week now. Would they blaze at him or would they melt?
Shaking the thought away Blaze said "So the challenge. You and I know I've been holding back to assist Cameo and I can already walk the parallel bars. In your opinion would it be better for his morale if I let him win or not?"
Lizzy gave his question serious consideration. Yes she did know he was holding back in their combined sessions. She had seen Blaze in here later in the afternoons working on his own without Cameo around. She decided to answer with a question "Would you lose respect for someone who you felt manipulated you?"
Interesting question Blaze thought. Letting Cameo win would be a form of manipulation not motivation. It wouldn't be honest or respectful to Cameo. Perfect question to help him make his decision "Thanks Lizzy."
But then she cocked her head, raised an eyebrow and smiled at him again. In a sassy, skeptical voice she said "But I wouldn't be too cocky about winning yet. That young man will give you a run for your money today. Seems he's adopted a bit of your attitude towards rehab. You're not the only one putting in extra time. Unbeknownst to you he has been in here every night for a week working with Apollo for hours."
The stunned look on his face was priceless. It was worth keeping Cameo's secret for a week. Today's challenge was going to be interesting to watch.
Lizzy saw that most of the regular physical therapy patients had started to gather to watch the competition. She winked at Blaze before walking over to the others.
Blaze watched her saunter away. What an amazing woman he thought.
As everyone was getting into position Apollo asked if Blaze had heard anything more about Sam. Blaze simply shook his head. Where ever he was he had a gut feeling Mason, Winds and Mike were with him. He knew he was safe in that respect. But he really wanted to know how he was doing health wise. He pulled himself up to the parallel bars ready to give it everything he had and beat the pants off of Cameo.
A voice called out "Wait don't start yet. My money's on Blaze."
Blaze looked up. Damn it was good to see Angus up and in such good spirits. He had been so worried for him. But Angus had come to his room nine days ago all excited. Said he had helped Spike fix Beauty. Then he told him all about his plans for starting a business when he was finally cleared medically and discharged from military service.
Everything was set. Cameo and Blaze were both at one end of two sets of parallel bars. The first one to make it to the end without putting their hands on the bars would be declared the winner.
The PT department erupted in loud and rowdy shouts of encouragement as they took their first steps. There were a few close calls for each and their hands came close to grabbing the bar to stabilize themselves. In the end it was a dead tie.
Exhausted but feeling on top of the world both collapsed into their wheelchairs at the end of the bars. Each still had a lot of work to do to get back to fighting shape but both knew they would make it now. The observers all grumbled about no winner. But Cameo and Blaze shared a look of mutual admiration and knew they both had accomplished more than a simple challenge. They had won their desired life back, much better than money or beer.
A positive, inspirational mood enveloped the PT department as patients and PTs moved off to get to work. Someone had brought cake to celebrate the winner. They quickly added both names to it in red frosting. A group of patients with later appointments and other observers gathered to one side of the room to share the cake and praise Cameo and Blaze on their success.
Sitting near each other Cameo leaned over and "Thanks Apollo. Thanks Blaze. I truly couldn't have done this without your help guys."
Blaze looked at him and said seriously "No thanks needed kid. It's what we all do. We have each other's backs."
Cameo nodded as full understanding of what it meant to be part of an elite unit of warriors sank in. He would gladly give his life to save anyone of these guys. Apollo patted his shoulder and the two started talking.
Blaze became quiet as the party atmosphere around him continued. Where was Blondie? How was Blondie? As seasoned as he was and knew the drill that he would just have to wait for information, it still didn't make it any easier. Especially when it came to Blondie.
If no information was forth coming it meant he was still in jeopardy and either or both his eyesight and memory had not returned. He wondered which safe house they had moved him to. Blaze hoped it wasn't a piece of crap like the one they were assigned to with Daphne. No it wouldn't be, the General would not allow that to happen again to anyone.
As if his thought of her conjured her up Daphne appeared at his side "Hey big brother. Sorry I was late. Junior here was dawdling this morning. Who won?"
Ben pulled out of his mom's grip and ran to Blaze. "Mommy, wasn't my fault. I needed to finish my Supersam" he said as he crawled up into his uncle's lap clutching a small stuffed Superman doll.
Blaze chuckled lightly as he looked at the stuffed figure. Did he hear right? Supersam?
"So Ben, did you make that modification yourself or did your mommy help you?" Blaze asked.
He was looking at the head of the superman doll. Yellow duct tape had been applied to it haphazardly trying to change the hair color from superman's black to yellow.
Proudly with a puffed out chest, Ben replied "Did it all by myself. Mommy even let me use the scissors. Now it looks like Unca Sam. Do you think he will like it?"
Biting the inside of his cheek to keep from bursting out laughing Blaze said "You did a very good job Ben. Looks just like Unca Sam. I'm sure he would like it."
Blondie would be embarrassed to know Ben hero worshiped him. But he couldn't blame the boy. Blondie had saved him. If it had been a real grenade instead of a concussion grenade, Blondie would be dead. Not that they told Ben that, he was too young to know things like that. They only told Ben that Unca Sam had protected him.
"When can I see Unca Sam? Is he back yet?" Ben asked wiggling down from his uncle's lap.
Blaze smiled at Ben "No he's not back yet kiddo. But as soon as he is I'm sure Unca Sam will come visit you. We just have to be patient. You know Unca Supersam has to be away to protect people. It's his job."
Giddy, happy squeals of delight erupted from Ben as he ran around flying the superman doll and saying "Unca Supersam. Unca Supersam to the rescue."
Daphne and Blaze looked at each other and laughed.
Lake Near Yellow Knife Safe House – 3:00 pm
Fishing pole hanging loosely in his right hand. The small boat held tightly in his left hand. His bare feet dangling off the edge in the very cold water at the end of a long dock, Sam sat thinking.
The last few days had been utter hell. Coming to grips with the fact that he had killed his best friend had not been easy. Winds and Mason never left him. He was glad of their support.
Without them he might not be here right now. The second night he could not bear the weight of the guilt. He seriously contemplated suicide. He had even tried to take Winds' gun from him. Mason had restrained him then held him as he had broken down again. Mason and Winds listened to him for hours as he poured out his pain and guilt.
Winds retold him about Plouffe's involvement. In his grief, Sam had not remembered that part of the story they had told him in the hospital.
They also reminded him that Matt wouldn't want him to do that. Matt had worked so hard to keep him alive several times. That was the reason for the playlist, to remind him of the beauty of life. Winds reminded him why he had the duck and that Matt would want him to be there for his son.
Then Mason told him he understood how he felt on nearly the same level. Mason made him feel his face and his chest. There were deep scars his eyes could not see.
Mason shared with him how he got them and what he had done to him. Mason had revealed he still felt deep unrelenting guilt for his actions. Sam instantly told him that there was nothing to forgive when Mason asked for forgiveness. Sam now understood partially why Mason took such good care of him, why he was always so gentle with him.
It took a while but between Mason and Winds he was able to tuck the feelings of guilt in a safe place. They would always be with him. He would miss Matt. Sam wished he remembered Ben. The boy sounded like a great kid from what Winds told him.
Winds and he had also helped Mason put his feelings of guilt into a safe place. He and Mason had agreed that the feeling would be with them always but they would not let the guilt they felt rule their lives.
From all their discussions related to Matt he was able to identify three elements from his dreams. He didn't really remember them but the images the needles, the curled up boy and heads shots no longer haunted his dreams at night.
Matt had created Beauty to help him recover from some horrific torture he had suffered involving needles.
The curled up boy was Ben and he was told he saved him by jumping on the grenade before it exploded and could harm Ben.
The perfect kill shots on all the heads became clear as Winds explain the full story of Plouffe's connection. He was a sniper with a nauseating high number of kills. Apparently he was a damned good shot.
Sam was beginning to see, through the stories they told him, that fate had dealt him some horrible blows. Although it also brought awesome people into his life. He really wanted to remember all of his life, all the important people in his life.
He desperately wanted every last detail back. The good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the sweet, the bitter, the joyful and the sorrowful. He wanted everything.
Sam set the pole down and lay on his back to listen to the water lapping at the dock.
From the note with the trinkets, he had learned he had conquered a fear of water; interesting. He wondered what caused the fear in the first place. None of the guys here knew he even had been afraid of the water.
Slowly, Sam moved his feet in the lake. The water was very cold. It soothed his throbbing ankle like an ice bath. It had been a long walk to the lake and he insisted on doing it without the crutches. Stupid. He truly was as stubborn as Mason said he was.
Winds was watching Blondie from a distance, giving him some personal space but not actually leaving him alone. He had suggested taking Blondie to the lake when he saw he needed a change of scenery. Not that he actually saw it but more that Blondie was going stir crazy being cooped up in the cabin for so long.
Dealing with the memory of Matt had been gut wrenching for all three of them. So getting out of the cabin was also good for him and Mason too. He also thought that fear of water thing might incite a memory if Blondie was near the lake.
Blondie could be so damned obstinate. That determined streak probably did more good for him than harm but sometimes he paid a price for it.
Winds shook his head as he recalled that Drake had argued long and hard with Blondie about using the crutches. Blondie kept insisting that his ankle would be okay. He needed to strengthen it by walking. Drake countered every one of his reasons with sound medical reasons why he should use the crutches. But Blondie ended the argument by breaking one of the crutches and simply walking out of the cabin.
Blondie didn't go far. He couldn't see well enough to know which direction to go. So Blondie had waited impatiently at the edge of the trees for the guys to join him then lead him to the lake.
Everyone had spread out and taken up a different watch location to give him some time alone to think. Blondie had brought his box of items. Over the last hour, Winds had seen him switch out one item for another. He could tell that Blondie was trying to recreate the same focused scenario that allowed him to recall Matt.
From his position on a nearby rock, Mason wished Blondie was ready to go; he was cold. Yellow Knife was a cold place. It was only early September but the daytime highs were only in the mid-forties and today it was only forty-two degrees Fahrenheit. Add to that the wind today and it felt colder. Mason did not understand how Blondie could stand only being in a long sleeved shirt and a lightweight jacket; much less how he dangled his bare feet in the frigid water.
Although the cold water probably helped the ankle he thought dryly. Mule-headed ass was gonna pay a price for that one. It was likely to swell and take longer to heal due to the long walk.
He might insist on carrying the kid back whether Blondie wanted him to or not. Mason briskly rubbed his hands together trying to warm up and thought he might actually do that. The little extra exertion would warm him up a bit and that would be good.
Mason saw Blondie sit up and move around a bit. He smiled maybe he was ready to go. Blondie's hand knocked into the fishing pole. Christ! He was closest and leapt from the rock and ran full tilt towards Blondie.
Sam lay on the dock with his eyes closed thinking about the note that came with the seven small trinkets. They apparently represented the fears of his SRU team. He recalled the names and descriptions based on the pictures that were included with the other things. He wished he could actually picture them and really remember them. For them to go to this much trouble he must be important to them and them to him. He switched out the boat for the shovel.
As he focused on the shovel in his hand his mind brought forth the soft and sexy sable brown eyes from his dreams in the hospital. Jules was her name. There was something about that name.
He said the name out loud "Jules."
It came out in a rough voice filled with hunger and need. That shocked him. His mind jumped to the perfumed card that had come with the items from SRU. It had to have come from her, the only female in the team pictures. He wondered just why he had such strong emotional reactions to it and her name.
The scent on the card still made his body react strongly with a mind of its own, like a damned rutting teenage boy in need of an ice cold shower. Sam wondered just what, if anything, was between him and the woman called Jules. Was it a one way attraction?
She signed the note 'Love Jules'. Winds said the 'and all the guys' looked like an afterthought added to the note. Were they in a relationship? Highly unlikely, he couldn't see that type of thing being sanctioned for members of the same team.
It intrigued him. But he really needed to stop thinking about the scent on the card and the sexy eyes of Jules now. Seems just the thought of them now caused the reaction. He was definitely in need of a cold shower right now. Damn good thing the guys were not close enough to see his body's reaction.
Sam dropped the shovel back into the box then he sat up. He scooted around at the edge of the dock trying to covertly adjust a certain part of his body that had grown with thoughts of the scent. As he did so his hand knocked the pole. It started to fall. Sam reached out to try and grab it.
Overreaching, Sam lost his balance.
Sam fell into the cold lake.
Shock of frigid water disoriented Sam for a few moments as he sank. He kicked up to the surface. He had lost his sunglasses. The daylight was too strong and he had to slam his eyes closed.
Which direction was the dock or shore? He treaded water easily as he used his ears to locate the right direction to go. Boots slamming on wooden boards and his name being yelled indicated the direction.
"Reach your hand up Blondie" Mason yelled to his left.
Sam extended his arm and was hauled out of the water.
As Mason set him on the dock he said "Jesus Christ Blondie, I know you don't mind the cold and all but it's too damned cold to go swimming."
More running boots sounded on the dock as all converged around him. "Ah shit Blonde. What the hell? You're gonna freeze your ass off before we get you back to the cabin" Winds yelled at him pissed off.
"Sam are you deliberately trying to make my job difficult?" Mike added angrily.
Dripping wet sitting on the dock Sam thought, so much for needing a cold shower. A cold dunking in the lake worked just as well to remedy that particular problem. Sam laughed out loud at his thought not their comments.
"Just what the hell is so damned funny?" Mike fumed. "The General will kill me if you get pneumonia and die because I let you sit by a frigid lake." Sam stays at the cabin from now on was Mike's silent decision.
Not wanting to share the real reason for his laughter, he settled down. Sam cleared his throat and deflected "Sorry guys it was truly an accident. Was just thinking it was a damned good thing I'm not afraid of water."
"Yeah ... well ... quit scaring the crap out of me" Drake said tired of all the chances Sam took.
Early this morning, Drake woke up and found that Sam had climbed into the loft where the guys slept. He was still searching for the coffee. There was no railing on the loft and Sam nearly fell when he came too close to the edge. Drake had to leap out of bed to yank him back from the edge. And now Sam could have drowned if Mason wasn't so close.
"Me scaring you? Christ, how bout you quit scaring the shit outta me? Nearly made me fall outta the loft this morning. Morbi ut tacitum coluber audituros venis. Aptat vestra damnati call sign. Draculus Latin for meaning nominatur draco draconem inclusit" Sam retorted.
"Sam what the hell did you just say?" Drake asked totally confused.
"What?" Sam said.
"He means what language did you just speak and what did you say? Did you just cuss him out?" Jack laughed.
Sam reviewed what he said. Latin? He knew Latin?
Stunned at himself, Sam said "Latin. I said. You're as silent as a snake, never hear you coming. Fits your damned call sign. Drake, Latin for draco meaning snake or monster."
Several snorts of laughter were heard. Sam wondered how he knew Latin. Did he know other languages? He put the thoughts aside as the cold was starting to get to him.
Starting to unbutton his shirt with slightly shaky hands he said "Help me get these off. It's important to get the wet clothes off fast to prevent hypothermia" Sam said. Again he wondered just how he knew that but he did.
Mike reached down and started to help him. Sam undid his pants and a quick flash of relief came when he knew he was wearing boxers and not going commando today. Odd he thought, did he really go commando sometimes? Who did that?
As he continued to pull off the wet clothes he thought. The strangest images flash in his mind, emotions were felt and weird trivia and languages came out of his mouth. All the while not knowing where they came from. Had to be memories and knowledge he had acquired. He just wished they all connected in his brain.
Craig who was nearly the same build as Sam was wearing two shirts under his jacket. He stripped off the warmest one and handed it to Sam.
Sam put the shirt on quickly. Luckily, his socks and boots were not on at the time. He swiftly put them on.
Jack leaned down and put his knit cap on Sam's head as he said "This should help keep you a bit warmer."
Through chattering teeth Sam smiled "Thanks guys." Then he flippantly and hopefully asked "So does this mean I can have hot coffee to warm up?"
All six guys bellowed "NO!"
Damn he was persistent on that front Drake thought. The physical addiction to caffeine was way past gone. Must be a very strong emotional addiction. But Sam still could not have coffee yet.
Mason scooped him up. Winds gathered the wet clothes. Mike grabbed the box of items. Jack picked up the fishing pole. They double-timed it back to the cabin. As they trekked back Mason smiled and thought I'm nice and warm now.
Yellow Knife Safe House – 5:00 pm
Once back at the cabin, Sam took a long, hot shower and changed into warm clothes. When he came out of the room he smelled coffee. He limped to the kitchen. No one was in there so he went to the cabinet that contained the mugs and pulled one out. He was going to have coffee. He poured a cup and turned around intending to take it to his room.
Six men blocked his path.
Drake said "Not happening man. Let me have it." He reached to take the mug from Sam's hands.
"Like hell! If I want coffee, I'm going to have coffee" Sam challenged increasing his grip on the mug.
Winds used his authoritative command voice "Master Corporal Braddock. Put down the coffee. That's an order."
Sam bristled. It was an order from a senior rank.
Mason and Winds saw the internal fight going on in his head. Part of Mason wanted to see Blondie disobey and say fuck the order. But he knew it wouldn't happen, it wasn't in his DNA.
It was a standoff as Sam stared at the fuzzy image of Winds. He folded. It was a god damned order. Somehow he knew it wasn't in him disobey a direct order. Sam set the mug on the counter and pushed past the men.
Craig whispered "How the hell did that work?"
Mason sighed, "A Braddock always follows orders, even when they don't like the order."
He followed then Blondie to the couch near the fireplace. Mason grabbed the throw blanket and tossed it to a dispirited Blondie "Sorry Sunshine."
Sam rolled his eyes at the name. "Not your fault Gorgeous" Sam replied sullenly.
"What did you call me?" Mason asked stunned.
Sam looked at him quizzically, "What I always call you when I'm in a sullen mood. Why do you ask Gorgeous?"
A huge broad smile lit up Mason's face as he yelled "Winds, he called me GORGEOUS! Sunshine called me GORGEOUS!"
Mason pulled Blondie to a standing position and wrapped Blondie in a deathly tight bear hug. Then pulled away and in his excitement shook Blondie's shoulders hard.
Winds and the others came rushing in.
"Stop Mason, before you rattle his brain" Winds said with humor.
When Sam settled back on the couch he asked "What was all that about?"
Placing a hand on his shoulder, Winds said happily "We never told you that you call Mason, Gorgeous. That is something between just the two of you. You remembered that on your own."
Sam grinned as he pulled the throw blanket around him. They all started querying him if he remembered anything else. Nothing else had made it through. But Sam was hopeful now.
Odd, disjointed, not completely comprehensible things were beginning to make themselves known. After everyone finally settled down and drifted off to their assigned positions, Sam sat alone and stared toward the fireplace. He felt the warmth of the fire on his face.
He grinned, something felt every familiar about sitting in front of the fire under a blanket warming his feet in only socks. Like a group of people cared about him and insisted he rest in front of a fire. A strange thought of missing packing boxes entered his head as Drake brought him a sandwich and a mug of hot apple cider.
Drake handed Sam a mug "Sorry it's not coffee but at least it's hot."
Taking a sip of the hot cider, Sam motioned for Drake to come close. Quietly he said "Don't really want to ask ... but Mason's hug was a bit too tight ... and my idiocy walking without crutches …"
"Enough said. Fast acting or oral?" Drake asked, shocked Sam was asking for pain meds.
He didn't want to but he needed relief now, Sam murmured "Fast."
"Be right back" Drake said even more stunned and hurried from the room.
Sam breathed slow and deep and forced his body to relax. When he saw the blurry image of Drake he started to push up his sleeve.
"No Sam, this works faster and better here" Drake indicated the gluts.
"Make it quick" Sam said as he rolled over to one side and exposed the area. Something niggled at the back of his mind that he and needles did not do well together.
Drake injected it quickly. He was surprised Sam did not tense up at the use of a needle. But then again, maybe he didn't remember he was afraid of needles. That was good. Sam had been so rigid when Drake had changed his IV the first time they were here.
"All done. You want to head to bed? I can get Mason to help" Drake asked.
He shook his head and repositioned on the couch propping up his ankle and wondering why Drake would ask if he wanted to go to bed. It was only early evening.
Sam responded "Nah, here is nice right now. Thanks."
Then Sam lifted the sandwich and took a bite and chewed slowly. But he quickly finished the sandwich as he started to get sleepy. Damn Drake, he must have added a sedative too. Well at least he would sleep. If he slept he could have coffee.
Ottawa Air Force Base – 2245 (10:45 pm)
Zach was dead tired. He had been pulling extra shifts the last week to make up to his buddies for covering his shifts. He had been up for twenty hours straight now. He was looking forward to tomorrow. Zach had one day off before he was back at it. He kicked off his boots and sank into his bunk without bothering to undress and swiftly fell asleep.
Startled awake by his body being pinned to the bed, Zach struggled fiercely to get loose. He stopped dead when he heard laughter from a voice he knew. "God dammit Adam! You scared the shit out of me. What the hell are you doing here bro?"
He was still pinned by a heavy weight when a light switched on. Oh crap, he was in trouble. Four sets of blue eyes, exactly like his, glared at him. He had avoided all calls from them since he returned nine days ago. Zach knew he was in for it now.
Scott strode over and in a cool, calm voice said "Come clean. Tell us exactly what is going on with Sam."
The others surrounded him. There was no escape.
"Let me at least sit up. Adam you weigh a friggin ton. Get off me" Zach grumbled.
Adam shifted and sat on the edge of the bed.
Rubbing his face first several times, trying to stall and think what to say, Zach finally sat up slowly.
"I swear if you don't start talking, you're gonna regret it Zach" Kyle said ominously taking a step closer.
Zach looked to each one. They were just as worried as he was. Probably more so because they had less information than he did. Zach reached under his bunk and pulled out his boots.
"Cuz. We can catch you if you run. You may sprint faster than all of us but Kyle will catch your ass in the long run" Jeff said in his drill sergeant voice.
Zach shook his head "Not running but we can't talk here. How bout we go to Scott's place?"
They all looked to him. Must be bad if he would not talk on a base. They agreed and headed out.
Scott's Home – 2330 (11:30 pm)
Five Braddock cousins sat around the kitchen table with coffee in hand. No one had badgered Zach for information enroute or while the coffee brewed. Now four, all stared at one.
Under the directed gaze of his cousins and brother Zach shifted uneasily. He really did not want to tell them how bad it was. For days he had been waiting to hear from the General to get Sam's latest status. But he never called. Zach took a sip of coffee and then cleared his throat.
"I assume you all know that Sam reactivated." Nods yes from all. "I didn't lie. I just omitted information based on Uncle Will's direction." He tried to justify to his cousins. No one spoke just glared at him.
"Okay, here's what I know and realize I haven't heard anything myself for over nine days." Zach told them everything about Sam's condition and how he had to leave the hospital. That Winds and Mason and a man named Drake were with him at least when he left the hospital.
"But since then I know nothing more. I do not know where he is at, who he is with or if his eyesight or memory has returned" Zach finished.
Telling them everything actually relieved a great deal of stress Zach didn't realize he had been carrying. They were a close knit family and always willing to help each other out. He wished there was something they could do now.
Jeff said "I know that Uncle Will is in London at a conference. Had to cover last minute for someone that had a heart attack. I doubt he moved Sam to London. Especially since he didn't take his security unit with him."
Adam asked "How do you know he didn't take his unit?"
"One of my recent graduates was injured and is in rehab with Blaze. Went to visit them a few days ago. Blaze told me that Hal, Daniel, Russ and one of my other grads Pawn were assigned to go with him" Jeff answered.
Stretching his back, Scott said "If that is the case, we can likely assume that Mike and his unit are with Sam. Uncle Will would not take any chances. The way you described their exit, it has all the ear-markings of Mike's style. Question remains, are Winds and Mason with him?"
"Unknown. Blaze has not heard from either of them but that could be anything. They could have been sent on a mission that Blaze is unaware of" Adam responded.
Zach yawned "I hope they are with him. They both really care about him. Got to know them pretty well. Mason has a protective streak a mile wide for Sam. No idea why, but he handles him so gently, like he's afraid he'll hurt him."
Kyle pushed away from the table and went to get the coffee pot. He refilled his cup and asked if anyone else wanted more. He refilled Zach's and Scott's mugs.
On his way back, Kyle said "So what do we do? I hate being in the dark. Sam might really need our help. I mean, can you imagine not knowing who you are? I wish Uncle Will would let us all know. I mean we are family. We wouldn't say anything to put Sam in jeopardy. Uncle Will should just bring him home to his house. That way, we could all help."
Adam, Jeff and Scott shared a look. The youngest cousin didn't have enough experience to realize just how dangerous it would be for Sam without memory or sight.
Scott started to tell his brother the reasons when Zach said "Kyle, stop and use your brain a moment. Don't be a daft idiot like I was."
Dawning registered in Kyle's eyes as he thought things through. "Ohh. I get it, Special Forces and the investigation. Crap, why do things like this always happen to Sam? I mean come on. Enough is enough. Hasn't he suffered enough protecting this country?" He got up and paced angrily.
Scott rose and stopped his brother, "Kyle, anger is not going to help Sam. I'll try to contact Uncle Will. If I can't, maybe one of our dads can. Adam and Jeff can talk to their dads and I'll talk to ours. Let's see if there is anything useful we can do. If it is best that it stay blacked out, then it is best. We've been trained from the cradle to handle this type of stuff. Right bro?"
He gave Kyle a meaningful look then pulled his little brother into a hug. He knew Sam was Kyle's favorite and he looked up to him the most. It had been written on his face from a very young age. There was a fifteen year gap in his and Kyle's age and only seven between Kyle and Sam.
Quietly he whispered to Kyle, so the cousins could not overhear, "Bro, I know Sam is still your superman. Have faith he will recover. You've seen first-hand how determined he is."
Kyle was shocked at Scott's choice of words. He whispered back "You know?"
"Yeah, I've always known. It's okay with me. Truth tell, I feel a bit of the same way. There's just something about him isn't there?" Scott whispered back.
Kyle looked into his brother's eyes. The same eyes they all shared. Scott just became equal to Sam in his eyes. He loved his brother so much. Scott had known and he never let it influence how he treated him.
Jeff and Adam watched the private conversation between brothers. Family was good, family was strong. They would all be there when and if Sam needed them. Until then they would do whatever was necessary to keep him safe, even if that meant not knowing anything.
A loud snore broke up Kyle and Scott and all four looked to Zach. He had fallen asleep in the chair. They all chuckled softly, not wanting to wake him.
"Hey Scott, can I drop him in your spare room? Bit late to cart him back to base" Adam asked.
Scott said "Up to Kyle, he's staying with me for the next two days. Okay with me, if he is okay with the couch."
Kyle said it was fine with him and Adam and Jeff picked Zach up and carried him to the bedroom.
After putting Zach to bed and closing the door as they left the bedroom, Jeff said to Adam "Did you know Zach talked to the SF recruiter?"
Adam shook his head no.
Jeff shared "I saw him on base as I was drilling my latest group on the obstacle course. Saw him go into the recruiting office. When I was done, I went in and asked Larry what Zach wanted and he told me Zach was interested in SF."
"Christ, I don't know. Can we handle another SF badass in this family?" Adam laughed.
Thinking about his brother, Adam realized that Zach had the skills necessary. Part of him was proud Zach would want to go that route. Part of him was concerned for his brother. He would hate for things that happened to Sam to also happen to his little brother. But Adam would support Zach, no matter his decision.
Adam and Jeff said goodbye to Scott and Kyle and headed back to their places.
Kyle headed for the couch. He lay there concentrating on the months they had helped Sam recuperate. Scott was right. Sam was too damned tenacious not to recover. Kyle just hoped it didn't take too long.