Chapter 11
Bruiser stepped out of the review board office and let out a slow breath. Reaching up, he scratched at the neck of his dress uniform with a grimace. Whenever he got nervous, the overly starched thing made his throat itch. He couldn't wait until he could get out of it and back into something comfortable.
"How did it go?"
Cowboy and the team stood from the chairs lined against a wall in the hallway. They circled as they waited for Bruiser to gather his thoughts.
"It's going to be okay. You guys are all cleared from any blame."
Railroad narrowed his eyes. "What about you?"
Bruiser looked down at the cover in his hand. He dreaded what he was going to have to tell his team. "Well..."
Finch let off a string of curses that impressed even Hick. "You have got to be kidding."
"It's not that bad. Madison pushed for BCD, but they found no fault. Given the fact the mission was to apprehend al-Bashir, and he was not there, it was within the team's right to call an end to it and get out with the wounded." He turned to Hick. "I think had you not gotten hurt; things would have gone differently. I'm not saying thanks, but yet I am."
Toad laughed. "Nice going, Hick. You took one for the team."
"Glad I could be of a service," Hick grumbled and gently rotated his shoulder stiffly.
"Wait... Madison asked for a Bad Conduct Discharge for aborting the op?" Cowboy asked incredulously.
Bruiser shrugged. "He did at first, but he could tell that wasn't going to happen early on during the review. So, he changed tactics and wanted me out for striking him. He also blames me for Raulston's death."
"He's lucky I didn't get my hands on him," Hick grumbled. "If I'd seen him kicking that kid like Cowboy said Madison did, I'd get the BCD because I would have made sure he couldn't do it again. Asshole can't kick with both legs broken in a few places."
It was so unusual to see Hick this serious as he was normally a bit of a jokester. To see his friend's face clouded with anger reminded Bruiser of the incredible support his team had been showing. He was grateful, more than words could express. He squeezed Hick's uninjured shoulder.
"Anyway, they reviewed the evidence, listened to my side and Madison's. They read over the reports you guys submitted as well and decided that Raulston's death is attributed to shrapnel from the explosion and therefore, not my fault. That put a bee in Madison's bonnet. He started ranting and cursing until they pulled him out of the room. One of the chiefs said he could see why I would be tempted to strike him." Bruiser chuckled. "Madison isn't in the service, so they dismissed the charges of disobeying a direct command. They dismissed the assault charges as well. In the end, I got a slap on the wrist and a tick in my service record. It'll be a while before I am eligible for a promotion. That is if I keep my nose clean."
"Hot damn, you beat the rap," Cowboy grinned. Clapping his big hand on Bruiser's shoulder, he pushed gently. "Time to celebrate. Let's grab a few beers and drink to Madison..."
The others groaned, and Toad grumbled, "Or not. No reason to waste a perfectly good brew that way. We can check out that new place by the bay, Dirty Dan's."
Bruiser laughed as the tension he had been holding slipped away. "Yeah okay. Olivia is working today, so I'll only have time for a couple. We have plans for later tonight."
Toad wiggled his eyebrows. "Plans? Is that what we're calling it now?"
Bruiser growled. "Get your mind out of the gutter when it comes to my girl, Toad, or you'll be eating your teeth - brother or not. Livy is a lady and was in the service. She deserves respect, and I don't mean only because I'm dating her."
Cowboy smacked the man in the back of the head. "Can't take you anywhere. One of these days you'll grow up, and we'll let you eat at the big table."
"Ouch, hey man, what gives?" Toad growled and rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry, didn't mean to stomp on your tender feelings, Bruise. Mani-pedi time next? How about a wax?"
"Jackass," Railroad muttered good-naturedly.
Toad pointed to Railroad. "You first. They can make a rug from the pelt on your hairy ass. On second thought, I'd pay to see it done."
"Aww, Toad, I didn't know you liked my ass," Railroad grinned at him.
Toad was rude and crass, but that was part of his charm. Bruiser snorted. "If you guys are done, I'd like to get out of here."
Turning as a group, they began walking down the hall. As they approached the exit, Madison stepped out and glared at them. Pointing a finger at Bruiser, he snarled, "This isn't over, not by a long shot. Your time is coming, asshole." He glared at the team. "All of you have it is coming, but the mighty leader is first. You'll be regretting what you've done real soon. I know people. People who don't have the scruples I do." Snapping his mouth shut, he lifted his nose in a sneer, whirled around and stomped off.
"Oh hell no," Hick tossed his cover to Cowboy and glared down the corridor. "Even with one arm tied down, I'm gonna give him something to remember us by."
Reaching out, Bruiser pulled him by the shoulder. "Let it go. He's just pissed he lost. "
Cowboy slapped Hick in the chest with his cover. "Come on, hothead, it's celebration time. Beers are on the criminal. Better bring your gold card, Bruise. Tonight's going to cost you."
Bruiser laughed as he stopped by his SUV. "I'm gonna go home and get out of this uniform. Meet you there in an hour."
Once inside his vehicle, he relaxed and leaned back, letting out a held breath. Today had gone a lot better than he had hoped. It sucked to have a mark on his otherwise pristine service record, but at least he still had his career and his freedom. Things could have gone a whole lot worse.
Taking his cell phone out, he swiped the front. He smiled when the voice mail indicator lit up. Pushing the code in, he listened to the sweetest voice he had ever heard.
Hey, Bruiser. It's Livy. I got off work a little early and was checking to see if you were through yet. I guess not. I thought we could have a late lunch if you wanted. Anyway, I'm going to stop by the store and grab a few things. Auntie is making an enchilada casserole tonight. She forgot to get the chili peppers. Give me a call when you can. I miss you like crazy.
As the message ended, he grinned. Olivia was so perfect for him. Supportive, feisty and so beautiful. Pushing the return call button, he waited for her to pick up. Instead, it went to voice mail. "Hey, sweetheart. Things went well today. I got out with a slap on the wrist. I'll tell you all about it tonight. The team and I are going to grab a beer to celebrate. I'll be at Auntie's by seven. See you soon. I miss you like crazy, too."
Tucking his cell into his pocket, he drove home with thoughts of his Olivia on his mind. He smiled. Now, finally, they could get on with their lives. He was ready for that, ready to take their relationship to the next level. He couldn't wait until he saw her tonight. He knew all she had gone through had made her a little skittish. He would continue to be careful with her. She deserved to be happy, and he knew if given a chance, he would be the one to ensure she kept a smile on her beautiful face.
An hour later, Bruiser locked his SUV and looked at the building sitting on the sand by the bay. Dirty Dan's was not at all what he thought it would be. The newly opened establishment was bright, with a welcoming facade painted in tones of teal, white and splashes of coral. The floors were hardwood buffed to a bright shine, and light gray painted exposed rafters. A long bar ran along one wall. The highly polished acrylic top had sand, shells, and pieces of driftwood buried into its surface. The base was painted the same gray as the ceiling. They had scattered tables around the room in varying shades of complimentary colors carefully distressed to give an aged patina. Tucked in one corner was a small raised stage and the area directly in front was open, creating a dance floor.
The team was already sitting at one table near the bar and called Bruiser over as he entered. Taking a seat, he looked around again. "Looks like a nice place."
A middle aged woman with dark brown hair pulled up into a ponytail high on her head approached them. She was wearing a teal shirt with I like it diiiiirty in white letters over the picture of a one eyed pirate. Dirty Dan's Pub was written underneath. She smiled, revealing lots of bright white teeth and a pair of dimples in her cheeks. "You must be the guest of honor they were waiting on." She stuck out her hand to Bruiser. "I'm Danielle, or Dan to my friends. Welcome to my pub."
Bruiser's eyebrow shot up at the Australian accent. "Nice place. Welcome to the neighborhood." He shook her hand. "I'm Bruiser."
"Nice to meet you, Bruiser. What can I get you?"
"Whatever you have on tap."
"Coming right up," she promised with a wink.
Bruiser noticed Toad watching her walk away with a grin. Kicking him under the table, he hissed at him. "Don't get us thrown out before we even get a chance to try the place."
Toad shrugged and took a drink of his beer. "I appreciate the female form, and she has a nice one. So I'm appreciating."
Cowboy groaned and rolled his eyes. "How you haven't been sent to harassment training by now, I'll never know."
The grin on Toad's lips split his face in two. "Nobody complains. The ladies enjoy spending time in my tender care."
"One of these days, a boyfriend, husband, or brother is going to catch up with you," Finch told him seriously. "Then, you'll be spending time in traction."
Before Toad could retort, Dan returned with a large mug of amber brew and set it carefully down in front of Bruiser. "Anything to eat? We have a great menu with everything from snacks to rib eye steaks cooked to order." She passed out menus.
They looked them over and ordered a few appetizers to share. Once Dan had left, Railroad turned to Bruiser. "Let's talk about Madison."
Bruiser put his mug down. "Thanks for curdling my beer."
"Are you taking his threat seriously?" Finch asked as he sipped on a soda. Bruiser wasn't exactly sure what to make of that. Normally Finch enjoyed a brew or two as well, but he hadn't drunk anything harder than the sugary, carbonated offering in his hand in days.
"He's just pissed wasn't thrown out of the service. It's a temper tantrum, nothing more. He'll brood about it a few days then find someone else to piss off. I'm glad to be done with him and the whole damned situation."
"Are you going to at least report it?" Hick asked.
"To who?" Bruiser asked. "Seriously, what do a few words mean? Forget it, boys; Madison is just a bad memory."
The conversation turned to more pleasant things. When the appetizers appeared, they enjoyed sampling the different offerings. Bruiser's favorite was called 'Strings and Things.' It consisted of a bed of piping hot fries covered in a nest of deep fried shredded crab meat and topped with string cheese and a thick sauce. It was gooey and delicious.
A little after five, Bruiser pulled out his telephone and noticed there were several missed calls. He had forgotten to turn the ringer back on after the hearing that morning. Connecting to his voicemail, he listened to the first one from Auntie Nat asking him if he had heard from Livy. He frowned and backed it up to catch the time stamp. It had was left hours ago.
Each of the subsequent messages sent off alarms and he sat up straight. At once, the rest of his team went silent, watching him as his posture took on one of alarm.
Bruiser, we can't find Livy. She left work a little after noon today. I've tried to call her several times, but it goes to voice mail. Please call me when you get this message.
Bruiser, it's Natalie. Please call me as soon as you can.
Hello. Bruiser? Please call me. Livy is missing.
Bruiser, it's important. We need you, please.
He looked up and saw his team tensed, watching him. Punching the buttons, he stood and started to pace.
"Hello?"
"Nat, it's Bruiser. I just got your messages."
"Bruiser, thank God. Is Livy with you?"
Something in Bruiser's stomach clenched. His voice hitched. "No, I haven't seen her since last night."
Auntie's voice took on a tremble. "She should have been home hours ago. I asked her to stop at the market on her way, but she never came home. I called the market; they haven't seen her either. Her boss said she left around noon today."
"I'll find her." He tossed some money on the table and started toward the door. Without looking, he knew his team was right behind. "If you hear from her, call me immediately."
"Find her, Bruiser, please."
"I will, Auntie."
He hung up and stopped at his SUV. The team gathered around him. "Sit-Op?" Cowboy asked succinctly.
Bruiser raked his head with his hand. "Olivia's missing. She was last seen around noon today. She left me a message at 12:18 saying she was going to the store. Her aunt hasn't heard from her all day and messages are going to voice mail." He stabbed at his telephone and called her number again.
Hi! This is Livy's voice mail.
He punched the button, swore under his breath and dialed again. Muttering, "Olivia, pick up... Pick up the phone," he snarled as her voice mail answered again. Resisting the urge to throw his cell against the wall, he tried her number again. This time, after three rings, someone answered. He punched the speaker so the team could hear.
"Hello?"
The voice wasn't Olivia's sweet tones. "Who is this?"
"It's Margo. Who is this?"
"Margo, this is Bruiser, Olivia's boyfriend. Is she there with you?"
"Hi, Bruiser. No, I just stepped out into the alley behind the shop on the way to my car after my shift when I heard her cell phone ring. It was under the trash can. The screen's shattered." Her voice stuttered. "Her...her purse is here, along with one of her shoes."
Bruiser swore. "Go back to the shop and call the police. I'll be there in a few minutes."
When the call disconnected, he stared down at the phone in his hand.
Cowboy gripped his friend's shoulder. "I'm sure she's fine, Bruise."
The others voiced their agreement. He disagreed. Livy was too responsible for taking off like this. She would never worry her family, intentionally. He climbed into his SUV as plans started to formulate in his mind. First, the team needed to get to the coffee shop and talk to the police. Afterward, they would start searching. They would find her because there were no other options. Olivia was a friend, a sister-in-arms, and most importantly, she was Bruiser's and that made her theirs as well. She was one of them, and SEALs never left SEALs behind.