Chez Larousse Hot Call & Heaven In A Cup
Twenty-six Days After Rescue – Outside Chez Larousse Restaurant – 7:05 pm
What the hell is going on? Dom stopped near a group of people on the opposite side of the street to Chez Larousse. He saw the manager and approached her "What is going on in there?"
The manager turned and saw a fine-looking Frenchman in his mid-fifties wearing an expensive Italian suit. His accent was smooth. She would love to hear him speak French so she answered in French hoping he would respond in his language "Un des membres de mon personnel est devenu fou et a sorti une arme sur un patron."
(One of my staff went nuts and pulled a gun on a patron.)
Dom smiled at the manager. French it was then "Comme c'est terrible. Savez-vous qui est en danger ? Tout le monde est en sécurité?"
(How terrible. Do you know who is in jeopardy? Is everyone else safe?) Dom asked surreptitiously looking around for a pale green dress in the crowd.
She was right his voice was velvety and seductive. Ahhhh Frenchman, she always had a thing for them.
"Oui tout le monde mais les deux sont sortis. M. Allard est devenu très en colère quand il est venu pour le quart ce soir et a vu la femme dans la robe verte attendant son parti pour arriver . Je l'espère , la police peut la sauver , elle était si agréable pour moi quand je remis un verre de vin à elle. Celui qui elle a été réunion était en retard et était très attentionné commander du vin et un apéritif pour elle alors qu'elle attendait."
(Yes everyone but the two are out. Mr. Allard became very angry when he came in for shift tonight and saw the woman in the green dress waiting for her party to arrive. I hope the police can save her she was so pleasant to me when I delivered a glass of wine to her. Whoever she was meeting was running late and was so thoughtful to order wine and an appetizer for her while she waited.)
"Merci. J'espère aussi."
(Thank you. I hope so too.) Dom moved off apart from the group. The manager watched him a moment then returned her gaze to the restaurant.
This could not be happening Dom thought. We were so close. He pulled out his phone and was about to reconnect the audio feed to listen in but decided to call William first, he needed to know all their plans were now on hold. If this situation resolved and she made it out they would need to reset. When the call was answered Dom said "My friend we have a problem."
On Scene Chez Larousse Restaurant – 7:10 pm
Winnie answered Greg's question as the team was enroute to Chez Larousse "Officers on scene said that the customers that got out said the man was screaming at the woman saying she ruined his life. The manager of the restaurant said the man is one of her waiters named Gilbert Allard. She also indicated all the other customers and staff got out. It is only Mr. Allard and the woman in the restaurant now."
Opening his laptop in the passenger side of the command truck Spike said "Winnie, do we have a name for the woman?"
"Sorry not yet Spike" Winnie replied.
"It's okay I'll start with Allard, see what I can find" he responded. He looked up at Mike who was driving "Welcome to you first hostage situation Mike."
Mike shifted on the seat "Been waiting for some real action. Is it always this slow in between calls?"
Jules piped in through the headset "Nah, just been a really slow two weeks."
Mike gave Spike a slightly startled look. He had been expecting a response from Spike.
Spike chuckled realizing the rookie forgot everyone was tapped into the headsets. For some reason that was always one of the hardest things for rookies to grasp. He said "You get used to it in time."
As his fingers typed away a stray thought entered Spike's head. Sam had never had a problem with it, it came natural to him. God he missed Sam. But then he pulled his head back to his task.
Arriving on scene Greg went to confer with the on scene officers and Ed directed "Jules interview the customers and staff. Wordy need you to recon the restaurant, all exits. Spike truck, need blueprints and eyes and ears in."
He turned to Mike "Mike wanted to give you a bit more time to settle in but I need you as Sierra One." He started to move towards Greg.
Mike nodded "Uh Ed, where do you want me to position myself?"
Ed paused, damn he missed Sam. He scanned the area for a minute or so trying to determine which would be the best location. Damn he really missed Sam. Sam would already be in position and providing them information on what he saw. He indicated where Mike should go then headed to Greg. "What's the current situation Boss?"
"They've been in there for fifteen minutes now the officer says. Mr. Allard keeps raging at the woman. The officer said the manager said the woman looked very scared" Greg said.
Spike had quickly entered the command truck and eagerly tried out his new method of tapping into the cameras. As the feeds popped up on his screens he smiled and thought, sweet that worked great. Then he chimed in "Boss, tapped into the camera feed."
As Jules was heading towards the witnesses she commented "Nice. Spike that was fast even for you."
Jules smiled and thought Spike's good, damned good. She was happy but concerned about him at the same time. Today was the first time she'd seen him playful and laughing in several weeks, he was clearly missing Sam as they all were. Lately he was so dour and buried himself in his tech. So to see him excited and happy felt good.
Spike's enthusiastic voice called out "Thanks Jules. Hey guys there is a camera directed on the table she is at. How lucky can we get? Sorry no sound though. The woman is sitting at the table. Allard keeps pacing and appears to be yelling and keeps pointing then dropping the gun as he paces. He is extremely agitated. Established secure video link and sending to your PDAs. Still working on background info." Spike was exceeding happy with his new method it was fast and let him quickly direct a secure feed to the team.
As Spike tapped away using another new method, this one to speed up searching databases Spike's mind wandered a bit to Lou and Sam. It was because of them he had these new methods. He had buried himself in technology, spending all his off time devouring the newest information.
It helped him climb out of the deep hole he fell into with losing both Lou and Sam so close together. He missed them so much. Spike loaded another new program not expecting anything to come from it in this situation but just giving it a bit of a field test.
Wordy was around back of the restaurant. He noticed that the back door was ajar. Must have been when the staff left "Ed, the back door is open. I could sneak in maybe get a mic close enough so we can hear them."
"Good idea. Just go careful we don't want to spook him at the moment. Right now he seems intent on just yelling at her" Ed replied.
Wordy raced back to the SUVs and gathered the necessary items. As he headed back to the rear entrance he wondered why Mike had not reported in yet. Sam would have been in position and calling out status and providing them tactical information already. God he missed Sam.
As he knelt near the rear entrance to prepare the mic his mind wandered to the nail polish razzing from earlier. A smile crossed his lips. If the team only knew how tightly Allie had Sam wrapped around her little fingers. Images of the night he and Shel had come home from a date when Sam had watched the girls for them popped into his head.
Shel ruined it. He was fully prepared to let Sam leave without mentioning it. It would have been hilarious and he wouldn't be the only one razzed about it at work anymore. But no Shel was too nice. As Sam was at the front door about to leave Shel had to ask Sam if he wanted nail polish remover and to remove the ribbons from his hair. The slight embarrassed blush that crept onto Sam's face was priceless.
Sam explained he had let Allie play beauty shop as they all watched Beauty and the Beast. He let Allie tie dozens of colorful ribbons in his hair and every single finger and toe nail was a different color, pink, purple, sparkle glitter, green, blue, yellow, etc. He laughed out loud as he recalled Sam came in the next shift with a close military hair cut, too short for ribbon tying.
"Wordy everything okay man?" Ed called out in response to the laugh.
"Yeah, sorry just nothing a stray thought. Ready to head in. Based on the blueprints Spike sent I can get pretty close without being seen" Wordy responded. He moved in through the kitchen. He saw the staff had left in such a hurry that burners were left alight. He stopped to turn them off to reduce the fire hazard. Then crept forward and set the mic. Once back outside he said "Spike mic placed."
"Jules any useful information from the guests or staff?" Greg asked calmly needing information to determine a negotiation path with Allard.
Jules and gone through over ten guests and staff so far. Jules reported "Only that Allard has been working here for about two weeks. They said he seemed like a likable guy for the most part. But sometimes he became angry. No one has been able to identify the woman. Although a few said she looked very familiar. Like a celebrity or something. She arrived about twenty minutes ago and was sat at the table. The manager said she was awaiting another person but he had not arrived yet. The reservation was under the other person's name Thibodeau. But no first name."
Spike called out "Not much I can do with just a last name, sorry Boss."
Greg shifted and paced slightly. From the video feed he could see the woman. She did look familiar but he could not place her either. He was glad for the feed because Mike was not providing any information on what was happening in the restaurant. He shifted focus he needed to engage soon but needed information on the subject first if he could get it. He said "Spike, let's just focus on Allard for now. Do we have audio yet?"
"Copy, Boss. And no sorry for some reason there is interference with our audio feed almost like there is something jamming it. Working on it." Spike responded.
Ed was reviewing the blueprints determining their tactical entry plan when Wordy return. Ed realized he had not heard from Mike yet and it had been more than enough time to get into position. With slight frustration lacing his voice he called out "Mike are you in position yet? If so, please provide us with details. Part of the sniper's job."
Mike had settled into position several minutes ago. The look on Ed's face was not a happy one. Somehow he had screwed up by asking where to position himself. But Ed was TL, shouldn't he determine the location? Focusing on the room he scoped the subject.
He heard Ed's call just now. They had the camera feed. Wasn't he supposed to just focus on the subject and wait for the Scorpio command if it was needed? "Um sorry, been in position for a few. I'll remember to acknowledge in the future. I'm focused on the subject now. He is pacing back and forth. A bit hard to maintain a shot with as much as he is moving."
Ed called out "What else do you see from your position. It is a different angle than the camera."
The team worked on information from all sources. Ed was becoming frustrated with Mike, it was like pulling teeth. He would need to address this with Mike. Apparently he didn't quite get that Sierra One was a critical source of information.
As he waited for Mike to scan and respond Ed reminded himself, be patient, be fair, Mike is not Sam. That spring boarded another thought, Sierra One had only become a critical source of info after Sam joined them. Before that the sniper had only focused on the subject.
Sam's ability to quickly scan the entire area and provide details had changed how Team One used the sniper role. It was one of the reasons this team excelled. He relaxed a bit he needed to be a better mentor to Mike, he was only with the team for two weeks and this is his first time at Sierra One.
Mike shifted his scope to scan the entire room and he landed on the hostage. He should have scanned sooner. He could have provided the team with critical information a long time ago if he had.
Feeling embarrassed Mike said "Uh Sarge, I know who the hostage is. The boys had to do a report on Parliament last week. I saw her picture helping them with their research. The hostage is Katherine Hayes-Baxter. She is a member of the House of Commons representing the Toronto district."
Greg and Ed shared a look. This call just got more serious. Their actions would be scrutinized to the nth detail since it involved a Parliamentary member. "Eddie?" His one word was asking comfort level with Mike as Sierra One for this call. He got his answer quickly.
"Mike I'm coming to you. We will swap and you will assist Wordy covering the Boss if he goes in to negotiate." Ed said as he sprinted to the position he sent Mike to.
He hoped that Mike would see this for what it was. Mike was untested yet and they could not afford any mishaps or hesitations with a Member of Parliament was a hostage. If they did SIU would have their hides.
"Okay Ed" Mike responded confused and a bit miffed by the change.
"Boss, got background on Gilbert Allard. He was CFO for Surge Enterprises until recently. Seems he was dismissed for ethics and morality code violations a month ago. His wife Pauline filed for divorce and sole custody of their three children. There are news reports that indicate an investigation took place based on an anonymous tip but they were not able to substantiate the claims. But his employment contract with Surge Enterprises gave the company the right to fire him for perceived violations too. The company likes to keep a squeaky clean professional image and has zero tolerance for violations of those sorts" Spike reported.
Greg took off his hat and rubbed his head. "Good information. But Spike we could really use ears in there to understand why he is targeting the hostage. He is not picking up the restaurant phone. Any luck with the jamming issue?"
Jules was interviewing a woman when she saw a man standing off by himself to her left watching the scene intently. He had just hung up a phone and was now fiddling with it. Her instincts prickled.
"Thank you for your information" she concluded and moved away a bit to observe him unnoticed. Quietly she said "Boss, I have a person that seems too interested in what is going on inside."
Reaching Mike's position Ed called out "Jules, what makes you think that?"
"He's just ... I don't know. Seems different, doesn't fit. Call it intuition or something. Moving in a bit to see if I can get a better read" Jules replied.
Ed tapped Mike's shoulder and Mike moved. Ed quickly laid down and positioned himself. Adjusting the scope Ed said "Wordy backup Jules in case he is involved. Mike head to Greg."
Copy that was heard by both men.
Dom had just finished speaking with Will giving him the report. William had asked for a description of the SRU team. After giving it he was told that this was Sam's team. They were the best. Dom and the General decided that Dom would stand down and see how the scenario panned out.
He had seen Jules interviewing all the bystanders and asked Will how he wanted him to proceed if he was engaged. William directed him to provide information as he deemed necessary but to keep his name out of it. He trusted Dom to make the appropriate decision based on the situation. They quickly discussed potential outcomes and what to do in each case.
Dominique then turned on the audio to see if he could figure out why the man was confronting her. It clicked. The manager said the man's name was Allard. That name had been familiar. He was a recent target of hers. One that had refused her conditions; he had a spine after all. But he had paid dearly for refusing her.
Jules saw Wordy move in from the opposite direction in case he was a runner. She approached him slowly. "Sir, I'm Jules Callaghan with SRU. I was wondering if you might be able to provide me with any information. Can you tell me your name and if you were you in the restaurant?"
Dom had watched as the female SRU officer approached. The look in her eye said she had registered something about him that did not fit. She was wary of him. He would need to figure out what it was that made her suspicious. Normally everyone saw only what he wanted them to see.
She was different, she saw through him somehow. Nonchalantly he answered "My name is Dominique Savoy. No I was not in the restaurant yet. I arrived and it was already going on. I had planned on dinning there tonight. It seems to be quite a nasty problem in there."
Jules read the body language. He was telling the truth from what she could tell. With his upfront answer Jules was wondering why she had such a reaction, usually her gut was better. She said "Thank you Mr. Savoy" and started to move away as Wordy joined her.
Spike called out "Boss, I think I figured out the audio issue. This is strange. Hold on a second."
Jules and Wordy shared a look.
Spike came over the headsets "Um guys I'm picking up low frequency broadcasting and receiving. Someone is listening in to the conversation in the restaurant."
Greg said "Can you locate the receiving location?"
"Running that as we speak, wasn't expecting this new little program to yield anything tonight was just playing with it. Almost, almost, come on baby give me the details, just one more second, got it." Spike eagerly called out "The broadcast location is at the table the subject is at."
Then Spike's voice become a bit concerned "Um Jules, I think your gut was right. The receiving location is just behind you. Whoever he is, he is listening to whatever is being said in there."
Ed chimed in "Spike can you tap into the source? Wordy, Jules reengage the man."
"No been trying to do that since I found it. It has some way awesome deep encryption. Things I haven't seen before. Still working on it. I'll try but I don't know" Spike responded now sounding frustrated.
Jules turned around again all smiles "Mr. Savoy. Just one more question if you don't mind?" she said slowly allowing Wordy to reposition himself again.
Dom recognized the tactic. He was unsure why but they had identified him as a person of interest. Was he slipping in his old age? "Yes. What?"
Jules decided the direct approach "Can you tell us how you can hear what is happening in the restaurant?"
Damn they are good he thought instantly. The tech guy must have located his frequency. Based on how they decided he should go Dominique answered truthfully "I can. But not here. Is there somewhere private we can talk?"
Wordy had slipped in close behind "Over here?" he indicated to Dom. "Boss brining you the receiving end."
Greg, Jules, Spike and Dom gathered in the command truck. "Mr. Savoy I'm Sergeant Greg Parker with SRU. Can you please explain who you are and why you are listening to the restaurant?"
"No I cannot tell you why at this time." The looks said that did not please them so Dom hurried on "But I can provide you the access code to listen in."
Dom quickly provided the code and Spike tapped away and conversation in the restaurant was heard on the headsets.
Greg said "Wiretapping is illegal. You will need to explain a bit or we will have to take you into custody. Do you know either party involved?"
"My name as I said is Dominique Savoy. I am a private investigator of sorts. I have the appropriate approvals for what I am doing here tonight. But I am not a liberty to disclose my assignment" Dom supplied basic information.
Ed cut into the conversation "Greg things are escalating. Allard's getting more agitated the gun is rising more often. If you're gonna talk we need to try now."
Getting the bullhorn Greg exited the truck and started to talk to the subject. Greg connected enough that the subject agreed to allow him to enter to talk. Wordy and Mike grabbed the shields to protect Greg as they entered. Jules and Spike were keeping watch on Dom in the truck. Spike was continuing to investigate Allard. Jules started pulling information on Katherine Hayes-Baxter. Both were feeding bits of information to Greg to help with his negotiations.
After an hour of talking Greg was making progress. Gilbert had deescalated and the gun waved around less and less. His voice had returned to a normal and non-frenzied tone.
Ed's headset started to cut out. He was only hearing every other word at most. Dammit what else could go wrong? Ed called out "Spike headset is dying. Need another one. Either you or Jules bring me a new one."
He waited for a response but didn't get one. The headset had died completely. Dammit. He couldn't leave. He was reaching for his phone to call Jules when things took a turn for the worse in the restaurant. Ed wondered what happened to cause it to re-escalate.
Greg was glad to see Gilbert calmer and he could begin to see that they may be able to end this with everyone safe. He said "So Gilbert I see you want to end this peacefully. That's good. If you just put down the gun we can all go home."
It was the wrong thing to say. Gilbert Allard re-escalated quickly yelling "Home, home you say. I don't have a home anymore. This bitch ruined it for me." He wagged the gun towards the hostage.
In the truck Jules and Spike heard Dom say under his breath "Just shoot the bitch already."
Instantly tense they turned to him and Spike said incredulously "What did you say?"
Dom was sick of watching the bitch play the victim "I said he should just shoot the bitch. Everything he accused her of is dead to rights true. She is a lying, corrupt, soul sucking, bitch that preys on weak men for personal gain. I have the proof. Tonight I was to get the final piece of information but this guy comes along."
Greg was able to calm Gilbert down again. He had heard the exchange in the truck and chose a different path "Gilbert. What if you could prove your allegations would you put the gun down?"
Gilbert looked sadly at Greg. "But there is no trail to prove it. I've looked. For the last month I've devoted nearly every waking hour of my life to find something that will reveal this snake for who she really is. I cannot find anything. She needs to die before she can harm another family. My wife took my kids away from me because of things she said I did. I did none of what she said. I wouldn't give her the information she wanted. She needs to die before she strikes again. But if you can prove to me that you can prove my story I will put the gun down."
Greg only needed to say his name he would know what Greg needed. Softly he said "Spike?"
Spike responded "On it Boss."
Katherine Hayes-Baxter had been sitting here for so long. This weakling man turned out to have a bit of a spine. She had misjudged him. But she had put him in his place for refusing her. She was pissed that her meeting with Jean-Luc Thibodeau had been interrupted. If only he hadn't been late. She needed to get the information soon from Thibodeau or she would lose out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Jetson/Cogsworth deal.
She had no worries about the man in front of her killing her. He had not the guts to actually do it. So she sat here playacting the scared victim. She fully expected the SRU to shoot him soon. He was starting to wave the gun at her again. But then that Parker guy had asked if Allard would put down the gun if he could prove his allegations against her.
That finally worried her. She had been so careful. Could she have slipped up? No she was too good, there was never any record. Except her own and they were fully encrypted under many levels of protection. It was just a tactic they were using. Parker was lying to Allard, manipulating him so he would put the down the gun. But she slipped her hand into her purse in her lap nonetheless and wrapped her hand around the sole contents of the small purse.
"Mr. Savoy. Do you have the information that would help prove Allard story?" Jules and Spike asked simultaneously.
Dom smiled at how in synch this team was "Yes. Can I access one of your computers?" Spike set him up and Dom's fingers flew. Spike watched as the man went through ten levels of encryption in a flash. "I cannot give you the full file but tell me where to send the file on Allard." Spike provided the information and within seconds a one page information sheet popped up.
Quickly reading the page that popped up on his screen Spike's eyes got wide with surprise. "Whoa. Boss sending you a one page information sheet on Allard. If this is true then what he alleges is true." Spike looked at Dom. "Is this authentic?"
Sighing Dominique replied "Yes. It's a level of corruption I haven't seen in a while. My client who shall be unnamed engaged me to bring her to justice. After tonight my files are to be turned over to the Director of PPSC."
"Boss" Spike said.
Greg said softly "I heard Spike." Greg took a moment to review the file on his PDA.
Katherine watched as Parker reviewed something on his phone. Her finger flipped the safety off then wrapped around the trigger. She could plead that the stress of the situation finally got to her and she lost her mind she was so scared. Preparing for that alibi she rearranged her face to show terror, pretended to quiver and allowed tears to start falling.
Turning to Allard Greg said calmly "Gilbert I think you should really put the gun down. I have something important to share with you. If you put it down I will show you."
Gilbert took three steps toward Greg but had not lowered the weapon completely.
Ed tensed and called out "I have a solution."
He kept the gun trained on Gilbert but could see the hostage too. Dammit they can't hear me he realized. Why the hell was Allard walking to Greg? Should he shoot now? He held. The gun was not directly pointed at Greg and was lowering slightly with each step.
Wordy was closest to the hostage and out of the corner of his eye he saw a movement under the table in her lap.
Gilbert started to lower the gun more as he continued to approach and was only a few steps from Greg. Ed relaxed slightly the gun was dropping. Greg had gotten through to the man somehow. He would have to ask later how. The man had been so intent for so long and his accusation against the scared hostage seemed outrageous.
Several things happened in rapid succession.
Hayes-Baxter pulled a gun from her purse and raised it at Gilbert.
Wordy yelled "Gun."
Hayes-Baxter fired at Gilbert.
Ed heard a gunshot. He saw Gilbert start to fall. Ed switched his aim to Hayes-Baxter.
Greg reached out to catch Gilbert.
Hayes-Baxter pointed her gun directly at Greg who was holding Gilbert as he fell.
Ed fired.
Hayes-Baxter dropped dead.
Dom smiled. The bitch was dead and the was problem solved.
Twenty-seven Days After Rescue – SRU Briefing Room – 2:45 am
Greg was leaning back in his chair staring out the window thinking how strange tonight's call had become. The team was just now gathering back in the briefing. Each of them had been extensively interviewed individually by representatives of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC). Greg knew that the PPSC had federal jurisdiction to prosecute cases involving members of Parliament among other serious federal crimes such as organized crime, terrorism, tax law, money laundering and proceeds of crime, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
The interviews were very long going over every detail of the call. SIU had no jurisdiction and did not even interview Ed afterwards. Shortly after the shot a team of twelve PPSC reps had converged on the scene and assumed control. Each team member was sequestered and they took Dominique Savoy in as well.
After they interviewed him Savoy had been very quietly ushered out of SRU headquarters by the PPSC. All records of their call had been confiscated by PPSC representatives as well. At the end of their interviews they were told that they were not allowed to talk about the incident under threat of prosecution.
Spike was the last of the team to enter. His interview had lasted the longest. He sat and his knee began to rapidly bounce up and down, a nervous habit "That was just strange. Wonder why it was all so hush, hush? I wonder who else was involved for them to swoop in like that. I mean they were there within minutes of the shot being taken."
Greg leaned forward and rubbed his head then looked pointedly at Spike and said "Spike, we were warned not to discuss the case. The PPSC made it very clear, did they not?"
Jules chimed in "But Boss, I mean the corruption must go pretty deep for PPSC to be involved. That Dominique guy, if that is even his real name was probably some covert ops guy by the way they ushered him out of here. My gut was right. There was something not quite right about him. He must have contacted someone before I interviewed him. I didn't see him contact anyone while he was in the truck."
"Guys stop" Greg snapped frustrated. Then more calmly he said "Sorry, let's take a bit of a break, we could all use it after that. Regroup here in thirty minutes." He didn't wait for a response as he rose and walked to the dispatch desk "Winnie, Team One is off calls for thirty minutes. Route them to Team Three or Four please." Winnie gave him a concerned smile and nodded.
Greg saw Ed head for the stairs to the roof and followed. He found Ed at the edge staring out at the city lights "Eddie, you okay?"
"Why'd she do it? She was safe. Gilbert had the gun down." Ed blew out a breath. The shot kept playing in his head. The terror and tears on her face. It was always tough to take the fatal shot. Even more so when you had to shoot the hostage.
Greg realized that Ed was not privy to the contents of the page and he knew his headset had cut out at some point. He was cut off from the team and could only observe. So with being sequestered right after, Ed only saw that he had neutralized a scared hostage. He would defy the PPSC order for Ed's sake.
He moved to the edge near Ed and said quietly "Eddie, you followed protocol. But I have to tell you something. I'm not supposed to talk but you need to know. You didn't shoot an innocent hostage. She was not a victim. She was the aggressor. She ruined that man's life. He was an innocent. Then she tried to kill him when he could prove it. Luckily she only hit him in the shoulder. The hospital said he would make it though."
Ed stared at Greg in disbelief "She was guilty of what he accused her of?"
Greg nodded yes.
Ed shook his head no. Greg nodded his yes again. Ed was having difficulty connecting the images of a terrified woman with the facts that she was not a victim. Well she was and wasn't. True Gilbert held her at gunpoint, but he felt driven to it by her actions against him.
He closed his eyes and focused on Gilbert's face. Ed saw the anguish written on it for the entire time he had watched. "Greg, it's hard sometimes. Especially when things get so twisted and the good guy is actually the bad guy and vice versus."
Ed blew out another breath then looked to Greg "So it was a good shoot? I didn't kill an innocent?"
Greg nodded yes "Eddie it was a good shoot. She is dead by her own choices. If she had not pulled a gun and shot Gilbert she would be alive. She would be facing prosecution for her crimes. From the little we got from Savoy during the call her crimes must have involved more than just Allard."
Patting Ed's back Greg said "Shall we head back in? It's a bit cold and windy out here."
Ed shook his head no "I'll be down in a bit. Just need to clear my head a bit first."
Greg nodded and left him alone on the roof.
Staring out at the city lights, Ed let the cool wind blow on his face. His mind wandered to many things before landing on a thought. This is where he would have found Sam tonight if Sam had been with the team and taken the shot.
He could see why Sam always came here after taking a fatal shot. It was quiet. You could think. You could sort it out and put it away. It was never easy to take a life. But maybe just maybe in taking her life tonight he had saved someone else's life.
General Braddock's Home – 2200 (10:00 pm)
General Braddock stood in the doorway of Samuel's room. He looked so peaceful sleeping. It pained him to know Samuel was only sleeping due to sedation. But on the other hand he was glad they had it. He had seen first-hand the nightmares he suffered from. He shifted his gaze to Yvonne.
She looked so tired. Nothing he said got her to leave Samuel's side since Mason had carried him in and placed him in the bed last night. He checked his watch. Samuel had been here twenty-five hours. Yvonne had been in this room for the same amount of time. She needed rest.
He strode into the room and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. He said caringly "Sweetheart. It's time you rest. He is sedated. Samuel will not wake until tomorrow. You should sleep tonight so you are rested to help him tomorrow my dear."
Yvonne looked up to William "I can't. What if he awakens and needs something."
"Mason and Drake have watch tonight. Samuel is safe in their hands. They will not leave him alone. They have orders to wake us if anything changes" William said in the same soft voice. Placing his hand under her elbow he gently nudged her to stand "Come sweetheart. You need sleep."
Yvonne nodded agreement. She bent down and kissed Sammy's cheek. She lightly brushed his hair. "Sleep my boy. I will see you tomorrow."
She kissed his forehead and turned to leave the room with her husband. She saw Mason just outside the bedroom. She had never seen anyone so huge be so gentle. He was truly a gentle giant.
Yvonne reached out her hands and took one of Mason's huge ones. Hers was dwarfed by his. She smiled up at him "Thank you so much for taking care of Sammy. Please keep him safe tonight. If he wakes for any reason please wake me."
Mason nodded "It's been my honor to care for him Ma'am. I will keep him safe for you. I promise you will be awakened if Blondie wakes."
The General nodded to Mason and led Yvonne upstairs.
Mason entered the room and sat in the comfortable oversized chair near the bed. He thought that woman was a marvel and so kind. Last night she had seen him sitting in the tiny hard chair as he watched over Blondie.
He had been so uncomfortable in it he chose to sit on the floor. Winds had relieved him for a meal break. When he returned this chair was in place of the tiny chair. That lady was so compassionate and so thoughtful. He was glad the General had finally talked her into getting some rest. Mason hated seeing her so distraught at her son's state of health.
Drake walked into the room "Brought you a coffee."
Mason reached for it and said thanks.
Drake set his own coffee on the nightstand. "I'll give him one more dose in an hour. That should be enough to take him through the night and allow him to wake in time to get ready for his appointments."
Mason nodded "Sounds good. After you give him the dose why don't you remove the IV? That way he doesn't have to deal with it when he wakes in the morning."
Drake agreed and sat down in the second comfortable chair in the room and pulled out a book on military strategy he had borrowed from the Braddock's extensive library. He had been surprised to see so many books in over a dozen languages. There was a fairly large section in Latin, probably explained how Sam knew the language.
Twenty-eight Days After Rescue – General Braddock's Home – Sam's Room – 0810 (8:10 am)
Towel drying his hair he thought that it seemed to be a bit too long. Hanging up the towel on the bathroom rack then turning to the sink he rubbed his hand across a full beard. As he brushed his teeth he thought he should ask one of the guys to help him shave. He could try himself but it would be a disaster waiting to happen.
As he walked into the bedroom to dress he recalled waking this morning. Instantly he had known he was no longer at the cabin. The bed was different. The scents were different. No fresh pine. Here smelled of vanilla and cinnamon, all warm and inviting. It felt so familiar; it was nice, comforting and safe.
Then a soft, kind, feminine voice said good morning to him and it was followed by a kiss on the cheek. She introduced herself. It was his mother.
Sam wished so badly he could see her face clearly. He wished even more he could remember her. As he had struggled to remember her she had shushed him and told him everything would be okay. He had cried and she had held him. Sam felt loved, comforted, assured and secure in her tender embrace.
After a bit he had calmed and she had told him he was home. That he was going to visit some doctors today. She helped him understand the layout of the house with a short guided tour. Then she took him back to his room. She pointed out the set of clean clothes and told him to shower then to come to the breakfast room.
Before leaving him to shower she had kissed him again and caressed his face. She told him she was glad he was home and the he would recover here. Confidently she stated that she had faith he would regain his memory and eyesight.
Pulling on his jeans he heard a knock on the bedroom door. Quickly zipping and buttoning them he called out "Decent, enter."
Winds entered the room "Morning Blondie. How you feeling?"
Sam was feeling rested and in an uplifted mood from his time with this mom so quipped with a grin on his face "Like I've been forcefully sedated for two or three days."
"Sorry about that. I know you hate it but it was in your best interest." Winds said happily seeing the sense of humor and smile returned and the dark circles mostly faded away.
"I hate to ask but would you be willing to help me shave? This thing is so damned itchy. Wouldn't ask but not too fond of slicing my throat wide open trying to shave myself" Sam said as he finished tying his shoes. It felt nice to wear something other than boots. The brace made the shoe a little snug but that was okay.
"Actually came prepared for just that purpose. Mrs. Braddock said you would probably want to shave." Winds smiled, she knew him well. "When we're done the General and Mrs. Braddock will be waiting in the breakfast room for you."
Sam nodded and they moved to the adjoining bathroom to shave.
General Braddock's Home – Breakfast Room – 0840 (8:40 am)
Walking to the breakfast room he only ran into one low table and the ottoman. But he found the room. This was a huge home, it could house an entire army Sam thought. As he entered the breakfast room he smelled something mouthwatering and he smelled coffee.
Oh how he wanted coffee. He had resigned himself to the fact that no one would give him any until he could prove he could sleep on his own.
His mother's voice appeared close to him "My you look so much more refreshed all showered and shaven. Come the table is over here. This is your normal seat." She said guiding him to a seat.
"Thanks. It did feel good to shower and shave. What smells so good?" Sam asked
"Your favorite omelet. Sit I'll bring it out. Orange juice or apple juice?" Yvonne asked.
Sam wanted to say coffee but didn't "OJ will be fine. Thanks." He sat in the seat she indicated.
Yvonne brought in his plate of food and her own. Setting his in front of him she said "Your all-time favorite omelet. The one we concocted together the last time you recovered here. I made it extra-large since you haven't eaten in a few days. But if you want more there is plenty. I'd be happy to make you another one. Your father will be back in a few minutes. He had to take an important phone call."
Sam dug into the omelet. It tasted as good as it smelled. He was starved; he plowed through the omelet, the country potatoes, three pieces of toast, four pieces of bacon and two glasses of OJ. Sam chatted with his mother as they ate. She made him a second omelet and he had just finished it when he heard someone enter the room behind him.
"William. That took longer than you expected. Sam's finished his second helping. I'll just go prepare yours now. Sam would you like a third?" Yvonne said brightly.
He heard the brightness in her voice. He could tell that his appetite had pleased her. Sam smiled at her "No thank you. That was absolutely delicious. I'm so full I might burst at the seams."
Yvonne giggled lightly as she picked up Sam's empty plate and left the room.
Sam heard noises behind him that sounded like his father was pouring a cup of coffee. He almost groaned it smelled so good. He wanted one so badly. He knew the answer he would get so didn't bother to ask.
He heard his father approach and saw his fuzzy image as he sat right next to him. He heard two mugs set on the table. He recognized one was directly in front of him.
The aroma of coffee wafted up to him. He inhaled deeply. He wrapped his hands around the warm ceramic mug. Sam brought the mug to just under his nose and inhaled again.
Ahhh coffee, black gold Sam thought. He felt the moist steam rising from the mug. He inhaled deeply again, heaven in a cup.
He blew over the top of it to cool it slightly. Sam smiled in anticipation of his first sip.
As he took his first sip his father spoke "I've been waiting a long time to have morning coffee with you son."
The smooth, rich, bold flavor washed over his taste buds. The timber of the deep, caring voice filled his ears.
His brain exploded.
The mug dropped from his hand spilling into his lap.